FIFA has revised its policy regarding water bottles at stadiums for the upcoming World Cup 2026, allowing fans to bring disposable water bottles into venues in the United States and Canada. This change comes after significant backlash from supporters and officials in host cities following an earlier ban.

Initial Ban and Backlash

Initially, FIFA's policy allowed fans to carry empty, transparent, reusable plastic bottles up to 1 liter (34oz). However, the organization reversed this decision on Thursday, prohibiting reusable bottles due to safety concerns. This meant that fans would have to purchase water or soft drinks from concession stands inside the stadiums, where prices would be consistent with those at other events.

Updated Policy Announcement

In response to the criticism, FIFA issued a clarification, stating that fans would now be allowed to bring one soft, plastic, 20-ounce (590ml), factory-sealed disposable water bottle into any World Cup match in the USA and Canada. However, hard-sided, reusable bottles remain banned for safety and security reasons. Notably, the updated policy did not address regulations for stadiums in Mexico.

Support from Local Officials

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani expressed his approval of FIFA's decision to reverse the ban, emphasizing the importance of ensuring fans can stay hydrated, especially in extreme heat while waiting for matches. Mamdani has been an advocate for fair pricing during the World Cup, previously making 1,000 tickets available to local residents at a reduced price.

As the tournament approaches, forecasters have warned that fans may face health risks from high temperatures at open-air venues. A report from the World Weather Attribution research group indicated that 26 out of 104 games could be played in conditions exceeding 26 degrees Celsius on the Wet Bulb Global Temperature scale.