According to the governing body, supporters will be permitted to bring “one ‘soft, plastic’ 20 ounces (590ml), factory sealed disposable water bottle” into matches at the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States and Canada.
“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,” World Cup chief operating officer Heimo Schirgi, said in a video posted on FIFA’s X account.
FIFA described the update as a “clarification” of its earlier rule, which had banned refillable water bottles entirely — a move that sparked widespread concern among supporters.
Just days earlier, the organisation had confirmed that refillable bottles would not be allowed inside stadiums, a policy many feared could force fans to purchase expensive bottled water during matches.
SECURITY-BASED JUSTIFICATION
FIFA defended its restrictions by pointing to safety considerations, saying the rules were designed “to prevent risk and injury to players and attendees.”
The governing body also explained that many venues already prohibit outside bottles for security reasons, adding that the same standard is being applied across all tournament stadiums.
On Friday, FIFA maintained that those concerns remain unchanged.
Schirgi further clarified that “fans will not be permitted to bring in hard-sided, reusable water bottles due to safety and security reasons,” while showing examples of acceptable and prohibited containers.
HEAT CONCERNS RAISED AHEAD OF TOURNAMENT
The policy adjustment comes amid growing concerns over extreme heat conditions expected during the tournament, which will be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Experts have warned that spectators could face serious heat-related risks in open-air stadiums, particularly during afternoon matches.
A report by the World Weather Attribution research group estimated that 26 out of 104 matches could take place in conditions where the Wet Bulb Global Temperature (WBGT) exceeds 26 degrees.
WBGT is a scientific measure that assesses heat stress on the human body by combining temperature, humidity, wind speed, and sunlight exposure.
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At last year’s FIFA Club World Cup in the United States, fans already faced similar restrictions, with water bottles also banned from stadium entry amid complaints about intense heat.
In response to rising concerns, FIFA said cooling measures will be provided across venues, including misting stations, fans, hydration points, and cooling tents within the stadium environment.
However, the organisation noted that bottled water sold inside stadiums will be priced in line with “other events held at each stadium.”