FIFA Bans Reusable Bottles at World Cup Venues Citing Safety Concerns
FIFA said the ban is meant to reduce thrown-object risks as temperatures near 90 Fahrenheit and hydration breaks are already planned for players.
- On Thursday, FIFA announced that attendees of the FIFA World Cup 2026 cannot carry reusable water bottles into venues, following an updated Stadium Code of Conduct effective Tuesday that also prohibits cups, jars, and cans.
- FIFA stated the decision aims to "prevent risk and injury to players and attendees," applying safety measures already in place at several venues across all tournament stadiums.
- Temperatures at venues are expected to range between 26 and 28 degrees Celsius, and while FIFA promised "misting stations, fans, hydration stations and cooling tents" around stadiums, fans must purchase drinking water inside.
- The England supporters' group, Free Lions, called the ban a "strange, late change," noting that FIFA had previously assured fans they could bring their own water bottles into stadiums.
- Co-Hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, the 48-team tournament runs from June 11 to July 19, with every match featuring a three-minute hydration break for players during each half.
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213 Articles
Report: FIFA Insiders Warned Against Rule on Water Bottles
FIFA's decision to bar fans from bringing water bottles into 2026 World Cup stadiums didn't just rile host cities and sports devotees—it also apparently triggered unease inside FIFA itself. Sources tell the Athletic "there has been tension for months over the policy inside FIFA," with members of the organization's...
Inside Ottawa Valley
FIFA's recent water bottle ban and high ticket prices cause backlash among Toronto fans ahead of World Cup matches next week
The high price of tickets and the latest rule change banning refillable water bottles have many fans saying they’ll skip the in-stadium experience, with some calling for a boycott.
The Mayor of Toronto, Olivia Chow, accuses FIFA of banning reusable water bottles from stadiums during the World Championship "just to make money."
FIFA water ban sparks fan backlash ahead of 2026 World Cup
Fans attending the 2026 World Cup will not be allowed to bring reusable water bottles into stadiums. The latest restriction introduced by FIFA has sparked criticism and concerns about temperatures across the tournament’s hottest host cities. This year’s tournament features 48 teams for the first time. It will take place across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. As a result, several matches are expected to be played in high temperatures and h…
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