Concerns Grow As FIFA Bans Refillable Water Bottles At 2026 World Cup Venues

According to IReporter Online, FIFA has introduced a last-minute policy change prohibiting fans from bringing refillable water bottles into stadiums for the 2026 World Cup, a move that could compel spectators to purchase bottled water inside match venues.

The development, reported by Reuters, comes just days before the tournament, which will be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

The updated rule marks a reversal of FIFA’s earlier stadium code of conduct, which had permitted supporters to enter venues with empty, transparent, reusable plastic bottles of up to one litre in capacity. The previous guideline explicitly stated that such bottles were allowed inside stadiums.

However, the revised policy now clearly prohibits reusable water bottles altogether, stating that they are not permitted within stadium grounds.

The decision means fans attending matches may now depend on purchasing bottled water inside stadiums or using designated hydration points provided within venues.

The change has raised concerns, particularly as several fixtures are expected to take place under high temperatures in open-air stadiums.

Explaining the decision, a FIFA spokesperson told AFP that the measure was taken on safety grounds, noting that some venues already restrict outside bottles and that a uniform policy had been adopted across all stadiums. The spokesperson added that FIFA remains committed to ensuring the safety and wellbeing of players, officials, fans, volunteers, and staff, while stating that the ban is intended to reduce potential risks and injuries.

FIFA further assured that hydration support systems such as misting stations, cooling areas, fans, and water points would be available within stadium environments. It also stated that bottled water sold inside venues would be priced in line with rates at other events hosted in those stadiums.

Despite these assurances, the policy change is expected to draw criticism from supporters who may view it as an additional financial burden, especially given the already high costs associated with travel, accommodation, and match tickets.

The decision also comes amid growing concerns about extreme heat during the tournament. A recent report by the World Weather Attribution group estimated that a significant number of matches could be played under conditions exceeding dangerous heat stress levels, measured by Wet Bulb Global Temperature.

Similar concerns were raised during the FIFA Club World Cup in the United States, where spectators experienced intense heat and were also restricted from bringing water bottles into stadiums.