FIFA has introduced a new policy banning fans from bringing reusable water bottles into stadiums during the upcoming FIFA World Cup, a move that will require supporters to purchase bottled water inside venues.
The decision marks a significant change from earlier tournament guidelines. Previous stadium regulations had allowed spectators to carry empty, transparent, reusable plastic bottles with a capacity of up to one litre. However, the governing body has now revised its code of conduct, stating clearly that reusable water bottles will not be permitted inside stadiums.
According to FIFA, the policy was implemented primarily for safety reasons. In a statement, the organization explained that prohibiting bottles is intended to reduce the risk of injuries to players, spectators, volunteers, officials, and stadium staff.
FIFA noted that several World Cup venues already had restrictions on outside bottles and said the new rule establishes a uniform standard across all tournament stadiums.
To help fans cope with potentially high temperatures during matches, FIFA said a range of cooling and hydration measures will be available around stadium premises. These include hydration stations, cooling tents, misting stations, and fans designed to provide relief from the heat.
The football governing body also assured supporters that bottled water sold inside stadiums would be priced in line with rates charged at other events hosted at the respective venues.
The policy change has sparked concerns among observers and health experts, particularly because the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, is expected to feature matches played in hot weather conditions.
A recent study by the World Weather Attribution research group estimated that 26 of the tournament’s 104 matches could be played under conditions where the Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT) exceeds 26 degrees Celsius. WBGT is a widely used measure of heat stress that takes into account temperature, humidity, sunlight, and wind conditions.
Concerns over heat management are not new. During last year’s FIFA Club World Cup in the United States, fans reported experiencing extremely high temperatures while attending matches. Similar restrictions on bringing water bottles into stadiums were also enforced during that competition.
As preparations continue for football’s biggest tournament, the latest rule change is likely to fuel further debate over fan comfort, safety, and accessibility in what is expected to be one of the hottest World Cups on record.
FIFA Bans Refillable Water Bottles at World Cup Venues Amid Heat Concerns
