FIFA bans reusable water bottles weeks before World Cup

FIFA has reversed its earlier position on reusable water bottles, banning supporters from bringing them into stadiums for the 2026 World Cup just weeks before the tournament begins.

The decision has triggered criticism from fan groups, who argue the move could affect supporter welfare during the North American summer and increase costs for spectators attending matches.

Under previously published stadium regulations, fans were permitted to bring empty transparent reusable plastic bottles of up to one litre into venues.

However, FIFA has now removed that provision from its Stadium Code of Conduct.

The updated policy states: “For the avoidance of doubt, reusable water bottles may not be brought into the stadium.”

According to reports, supporters were informed of the change through emails sent on June 2, notifying them that earlier guidance allowing reusable bottles had been withdrawn.

Defending the decision, FIFA said safety concerns informed the policy shift.

The governing body said it decided to “prohibit bottles to prevent risk and injury to players and attendees”.

FIFA added: “Outside bottles are already prohibited at several of these venues for safety considerations, and FIFA is applying this consideration across its tournament stadiums.”

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• FIFA bans reusable water bottles weeks before World Cup

The organisation said measures would be available around stadiums to help supporters manage the heat.

FIFA said: “FIFA works closely with each Host City Committee and local authorities on heat mitigation factors for fans traveling to the stadium, which can include resources such as misting stations, fans, hydration stations, cooling tents, and more around the stadium footprint.

“Inside the stadium footprint, pricing for water bottles for the FIFA World Cup 2026 will remain consistent with other events held at each stadium.”

The explanation has done little to calm criticism from supporters’ organisations.

A spokesperson for the Football Supporters’ Association accused FIFA of placing commercial interests ahead of fan welfare.

The spokesperson said: “Yet again with this World Cup, it is fans last and not fans first.

“The heat and humidity is a real concern for fans’ welfare, it should be this that is FIFA’s main focus and not the ability to sell more bottled water at inflated prices.”

The Free Lions England fans’ embassy also criticised the timing of the decision and questioned why assurances previously given to supporters had been reversed.

In a statement posted on X, the group said: “What next? Sun cream banned and fans forced to buy it in stadiums?

“For all of the effort they are going to with ‘drinks breaks’ for the players, this is such a strange, late change.

“In all of our discussions, free water availability in stadiums was a key one and we were assured by FIFA that this would be the case and that fans will have the ability to bring their own water bottle.

“Naturally, the immediate thought from supporters is this is just the latest money-grab. We hope the water fountains in stadiums will still be free, hopefully you aren’t charged in the queue!”

The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be staged across the United States, Canada and Mexico, with supporters expected to attend matches during some of the hottest months of the year.

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