Mamdani Seeks FIFA Clarification on World Cup Hydration Policy Reversal
As the 2026 World Cup approaches, Mayor Zohran Mamdani and Toronto’s Olivia Chow have criticised FIFA’s sudden prohibition of reusable water bottles, prompting the organisation to promise additional heat mitigation measures.
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani has formally requested clarification from FIFA regarding a controversial reversal of its water bottle policy for the 2026 World Cup. The governing body initially indicated that fans would be permitted to bring reusable bottles into venues but subsequently prohibited them, citing safety and security reasons. Mamdani described the change as concerning, highlighting the extreme heat expected at matches and the potential for spectators to be deterred from staying hydrated due to the cost of purchasing water inside stadiums.
In an interview with The Athletic, Mamdani stated he would follow up with FIFA to understand the rationale behind the reversal. He emphasised that spectators are subjected to high temperatures for longer periods than players, often arriving before kick-off and remaining after the final whistle. The mayor expressed concern that fans might skimp on hydration if the cost of water at the stadium is prohibitive, noting that the city wants to ensure it is easy for attendees to access water.
Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow also criticised the decision, characterising it as a pure money grab. Chow urged FIFA to provide free water bottles to fans to compensate for the last-minute policy change. Her comments align with broader concerns from local officials across host cities, including New York and New Jersey, where extreme temperatures are expected during the tournament. The heat is anticipated to be severe enough to raise concerns about heat-related illnesses among attendees.
FIFA responded to the criticism in a statement to The Athletic, confirming that the policy change was implemented for safety and security reasons. The organisation stated that additional heat mitigation and alternative hydration strategies would be implemented at all venues. However, specific details regarding these strategies have not been disclosed, leaving questions about how effectively the measures will address the affordability and accessibility concerns raised by the mayors.
Matches at MetLife Stadium are scheduled to start on June 13 and run through July 19. While Mamdani has previously secured productive outcomes in negotiations with FIFA, such as obtaining 1,000 $50 tickets for New Yorkers via a lottery system that included free bus transport, it remains unclear whether he can convince the organisation to reverse the water bottle ban. For now, fans wishing to stay hydrated must purchase water from vendors inside the stadium, with profits benefiting FIFA and its affiliates.
