FIFA to Allow Single-use Water Bottles at World Cup Matches After Fan Concerns

FIFA announced on Friday that fans can bring one soft, plastic disposable water bottle to World Cup games. This comes after a ban on refillable bottles caused a lot of complaints.

“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,” said World Cup chief operating officer Heimo Schirgi in a video on FIFA’s X account.

This announcement is a “clarification” of FIFA's water bottle rules. It comes just two days after FIFA said that refillable water bottles were not allowed. This change in policy could have made thirsty fans buy bottled water at the venues.

FIFA said the ban was for safety reasons, “to prevent risk and injury to players and attendees.” They noted that outside bottles are banned at many venues because of safety issues. FIFA added that they are applying this rule across all tournament stadiums.

On Friday, FIFA confirmed that their safety concerns are still important. Schirgi said, “fans will not be permitted to bring in hard-sided, reusable water bottles due to safety and security reasons.” He also showed examples of bottles that will be allowed and those that won’t.

Weather experts have warned that fans may face health risks from extreme heat at open-air venues during the World Cup. The event will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

A report from the World Weather Attribution group last month estimated that 26 of the 104 games at the World Cup could be played in conditions where the Wet Bulb Global Temperature (WBGT) goes above 26 degrees. WBGT measures heat stress on the body by combining temperature, humidity, wind, and sunlight.

At last year’s FIFA Club World Cup in the United States, fans complained about the heat and were also not allowed to bring water bottles into the stadiums.

FIFA has said that misting stations, fans, hydration stations, and cooling tents will be available in the stadium areas. Bottled water will be sold inside the venue at prices that “remain consistent with other events held at each stadium,” according to FIFA.