FIFA has banned fans from bringing refillable water bottles into World Cup stadiums, introducing a last-minute policy change that will require supporters to purchase bottled water inside venues during the 2026 tournament.
The decision, first reported by The Athletic, reverses earlier guidance that allowed spectators to carry empty, transparent reusable plastic bottles with a capacity of up to one litre into stadiums.
Under FIFA’s updated stadium code of conduct, the organisation now states: “For the avoidance of doubt, reusable water bottles may not be brought into the stadium.”
The governing body said the move was driven by safety concerns and noted that several host venues in the United States, Canada and Mexico already had similar restrictions in place.
A FIFA spokesperson said: “FIFA is committed to protecting the health and safety of all players, referees, fans, volunteers, and staff.”
The spokesperson added: “FIFA made the decision to prohibit bottles to prevent risk and injury to players and attendees.”
According to FIFA, the rule standardises existing safety measures across all World Cup venues. The organisation said outside bottles were already prohibited at some stadiums and that a uniform policy would now apply throughout the tournament.
The decision is likely to draw scrutiny from supporters and health experts, particularly as concerns grow over extreme temperatures expected during the World Cup, which will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico.
Last month, the World Weather Attribution research group warned that a significant number of matches could be played in conditions posing elevated heat-stress risks. Its report estimated that 26 of the tournament’s 104 matches may take place when the Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT) exceeds 26 degrees Celsius — a level associated with increased heat-related health concerns.
WBGT is a widely used measure of heat stress that factors in temperature, humidity, sunlight and wind conditions.
In response to concerns about hydration, FIFA said cooling measures would be available around stadiums, including misting stations, hydration points, fans and cooling tents.
The organisation also said bottled water sold inside venues would be priced in line with rates charged during other events hosted at the stadiums.
The policy mirrors restrictions imposed during last year’s FIFA Club World Cup in the United States, where fans attending matches in high temperatures were similarly prevented from bringing water bottles into venues.
