FIFA to allow disposable water bottles at World Cup games after outcry

FIFA said on Friday it will allow fans to bring one sealed disposable water bottle into World Cup 2026 venues, reversing a ban on refillable bottles that sparked widespread backlash.

The announcement covers games in the United States and Canada, where forecasters have warned of extreme heat at open-air stadiums.

What is FIFA's new water bottle rule for World Cup 2026?

Fans may bring one soft, plastic, factory-sealed disposable water bottle of up to 20 ounces (590ml) into any World Cup 2026 match in the US and Canada.

Hard-sided and reusable bottles remain banned for safety and security reasons. The rule does not apply to Mexico, which is co-hosting the tournament.

Why did FIFA ban reusable water bottles?

FIFA justified the ban on safety grounds, saying it aimed to prevent risk and injury to players and attendees. The organization noted that outside bottles were already prohibited at several host venues under existing safety policies, and said it was applying that standard across all tournament stadiums.

Hard-sided bottles specifically were cited as a security concern by World Cup chief operating officer Heimo Schirgi.

The original ban on refillable bottles was announced two days earlier, representing a change to FIFA's official stadium code of conduct. Critics said it would force fans to pay for bottled water inside venues. FIFA described Friday's announcement as a "clarification" of its water bottle policy rather than a reversal.

What are the heat risks at World Cup 2026 stadiums?

Forecasters have warned that fans attending open-air matches could face serious health risks from extreme heat. A report by the World Weather Attribution research group estimated that 26 of the tournament's 104 games are likely to be played in conditions where the Wet Bulb Global Temperature exceeds 26 degrees. WBGT measures heat stress on the human body by combining temperature, humidity, wind, and sunlight.

FIFA said misting stations, fans, hydration stations, and cooling tents would be available within the stadium footprint. Bottled water inside venues will be sold at prices consistent with other events held at each stadium. At last year's FIFA Club World Cup in the United States, fans also complained of searing heat after being barred from bringing water bottles into venues.