FIFA has partially reversed its decision to ban spectators from bringing water bottles into stadiums during the 2026 World Cup, following widespread criticism from supporters’ groups and political leaders.
The governing body announced Friday that “all fans will be permitted to bring in one, soft, plastic, 20 ounces (590ml), factory sealed disposable water bottle into any FIFA World Cup 2026 match in the USA and Canada.”
However, FIFA confirmed that fans will still not be allowed to bring hard-sided, reusable water bottles into stadiums because of safety and security concerns.
The revised policy comes just days after FIFA updated its stadium regulations to ban reusable water bottles altogether. Previous tournament guidelines had allowed spectators to bring transparent refillable bottles with a capacity of up to one liter.
In an issued statement, FIFA defended the original restriction, saying the measure was introduced “to prevent risk and injury to players and attendees.”
“FIFA is committed to protecting the health and safety of all players, referees, fans, volunteers, and staff,” the statement said.
The decision drew significant criticism, especially because temperatures are forecast to exceed 90°F (32°C) in several host cities across the United States, Canada and Mexico during the tournament’s 104 matches.
English supporters’ group Free Lions questioned the reason behind the ban, saying: “Naturally, the immediate thought from supporters is this is just the latest money grab.”
New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani also raised concerns, saying the ban on refillable bottles was “concerning because the heat that we are talking about is not just the heat that the players are in, it is also the heat that spectators are going to be subjected to for arguably a longer period of time.”
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer also criticized the decision, calling it “wrong” and saying it was “about making money.”
