The highest football governing body, FIFA has announced that Fans at the 2026 World Cup will not be allowed to carry reusable water bottles into venues due to safety concerns, FIFA announced after a last-minute change to its stadium code of conduct.
As recently as last month, FIFA had permitted empty, transparent, reusable plastic bottles up to one litre inside stadiums, but the updated code, which came into effect on Tuesday, now prohibits them.
The latest version of the stadium rules states: “For the avoidance of doubt, reusable water bottles may not be brought into the stadium,” meaning attendees will not be able to refill an empty bottle at a water fountain or dispenser and will have to purchase water inside the stadium if they want it.
FIFA told journalists that the effort is channeled towards being committed to protecting the health and safety of all players, referees, fans, volunteers, and staff, and that the decision was made to prohibit bottles to prevent risk and injury to players and attendees.
M “Outside bottles are already prohibited at several of these venues for safety considerations, and FIFA is applying this consideration across its tournament stadiums,” the governing body said.
Critics, however, were quick to draw attention to a commercial dimension: water, sodas, and juices sold at World Cup stadiums are supplied exclusively by long-time FIFA sponsor Coca-Cola when the tournament starts next Thursday.
The ban has sparked immediate backlash, particularly over heat safety concerns. Scientists from the World Weather Attribution have predicted that approximately 25% of this year’s matches will be played in temperatures exceeding 26°C, while 5% will take place in over 28°C.
The England fans’ group Free Lions said that in all of their discussions with FIFA, free water availability in stadiums was a key concern and they were assured it would be the case.
“For all of the effort they are going to with drinks breaks for the players, this is such a strange, late change.”
FIFA said that prices for water inside stadiums will not exceed standard venue rates, though with the tournament just days away, many supporters say the assurance does little to ease their concerns.