FIFA reverses stadium water bottle ban for 2026 World Cup following policy backlash
New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani welcomes the policy shift, citing public health concerns over extreme heat and hydration costs, as FIFA maintains restrictions on hard-sided containers.
FIFA has amended its stadium regulations for the 2026 World Cup, permitting fans to bring one factory-sealed, 20-ounce disposable water bottle into venues across the United States and Canada. The reversal follows significant backlash against an initial directive that banned reusable bottles and required supporters to purchase drinks on-site. The updated policy continues to prohibit hard-sided reusable bottles for safety and security reasons.
The governing body issued a clarification on Thursday, stating that all fans will be allowed to bring in one soft, plastic, 20-ounce (590ml), factory-sealed disposable water bottle into any FIFA World Cup 2026 match in the USA and Canada. This decision marks a departure from the earlier policy, which had permitted fans to carry empty, transparent, reusable plastic bottles up to 1 litre (34oz). The subsequent ban on reusable containers effectively forced attendees to buy beverages from concession stands, where prices will remain consistent with other events held at each stadium.
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani welcomed the reversal, highlighting concerns over hydration costs and extreme heat risks for attendees. "No one should have to fear being priced out of being hydrated, especially fans who are often waiting for hours before a game in extreme heat," Mamdani said. The mayor has previously made 1,000 tickets costing $50 available to city residents, as match tickets have reached four-figure prices.
Forecasters have warned that fans could face health risks from extreme heat at open-air venues during the World Cup, which is being co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico from June 11 to July 19. A report published by the World Weather Attribution research group estimated that 26 of 104 games at the World Cup are likely to be played in conditions where the Wet Bulb Global Temperature (WBGT) exceeds 26 degrees Celsius (78.8 degrees Fahrenheit). WBGT is a measure of heat stress on the human body, which combines temperature, humidity, wind and sunlight.
The updated policy makes no explicit mention of regulations for stadiums in Mexico. FIFA has noted that misting stations, fans, hydration stations and cooling tents will be available in the stadium footprint. At last year’s FIFA Club World Cup in the US, where fans complained of searing temperatures, supporters were also barred from bringing water bottles into venues. Fans at the 2022 Qatar World Cup were also not permitted to bring reusable water bottles into stadiums.
