FIFA has announced a controversial last-minute policy change that will prohibit fans from bringing reusable water bottles into stadiums during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, prompting criticism from supporters and raising concerns about spectator safety amid expected summer heat.
The decision affects all tournament venues across the United States, Mexico, and Canada, where the expanded 48-team competition will take place from June 11 to July 19.
According to FIFA, the ban was introduced as a safety measure designed to reduce the risk of injuries caused by objects being thrown inside stadiums.
“FIFA made the decision to prohibit bottles to prevent risk and injury to players and attendees,” a spokesperson for the governing body said.
The move marks a significant reversal from FIFA’s previous policy, which allowed spectators to bring empty transparent reusable plastic bottles with a capacity of up to one liter into venues for refilling at water stations.
Under the updated Stadium Code of Conduct, reusable water bottles are now listed among prohibited items. Fans will be required to purchase water and other beverages inside stadiums if they wish to stay hydrated during matches.
The decision comes at a time when heat-related concerns are already a major topic surrounding the tournament. Several host cities in the southern United States regularly experience temperatures in the mid-80s Fahrenheit and higher during June and July, conditions that have previously drawn complaints from players and fans during international competitions.
To address those concerns, FIFA says it is working with local organizers to provide cooling and hydration resources around stadiums, including misting stations, hydration points, cooling tents, and fans designed to help spectators cope with high temperatures.
Despite those assurances, the policy has drawn criticism from fan groups who argue that restricting reusable bottles could make it more difficult and expensive for supporters to remain hydrated during matches.
The England supporters’ group Free Lions criticized the decision on social media, questioning why fans should be prevented from bringing water bottles into outdoor venues where temperatures are expected to be high. The group described the change as a “strange, late change” and suggested many supporters would view it as another attempt to generate additional revenue from stadium concessions.
The controversy adds to existing concerns about the overall cost of attending the World Cup, with many fans already facing high expenses for tickets, travel, accommodation, and food.
FIFA has stated that water prices inside stadiums will remain in line with standard venue pricing, though fans will no longer be able to refill personal bottles at fountains or hydration stations.
A recent study conducted by researchers at Queen’s University Belfast analyzed two decades of weather data and found that 14 of the 16 World Cup stadiums could experience heat levels capable of posing health risks to both players and spectators.
To help combat extreme temperatures on the field, FIFA has confirmed that every match will include three-minute hydration breaks in each half.
The updated code does provide limited exemptions. Parents may bring baby milk and sterilized water for children, while medically necessary liquids are permitted in containers of up to 500 milliliters when accompanied by appropriate medical documentation.
In addition to water bottles, FIFA’s prohibited items list includes weapons, fireworks, balloons, air horns, whistles, loudspeakers, vuvuzelas, and other devices capable of producing excessive noise.
As the countdown to the world’s biggest football tournament continues, FIFA’s water bottle ban is likely to remain one of the most debated fan-related policies ahead of kickoff.