FIFA reversed a ban on water bottles at World Cup stadiums this week after supporters and host city officials pushed back against a policy that would have forced fans to purchase drinks from stadium concession stands.
The governing body had originally allowed fans to carry empty, transparent, reusable plastic bottles up to one liter into venues. On Thursday, FIFA reversed that policy, citing safety concerns. The move drew immediate criticism, particularly given forecasts of extreme heat at open-air venues during the tournament.
According to Al Jazeera, FIFA then issued what it called a clarification. "All fans will be permitted 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," the statement read. "Fans will not be permitted to bring in hard-sided, reusable water bottles due to safety and security reasons."
The updated policy made no mention of stadiums in Mexico, the third co-host nation.
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani had been among the officials who criticized the ban. After the reversal, he welcomed the change. "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. Last month, Mamdani made 1,000 tickets available to city residents for $50 each as general market prices reached well into four figures.
The heat concern is not minor. A report by the World Weather Attribution research group estimated that 26 of the tournament's 104 games are likely to be played in conditions where the Wet Bulb Global Temperature exceeds 26 degrees Celsius, or 78.8 degrees Fahrenheit. That measure combines temperature, humidity, wind and sunlight to gauge heat stress on the human body.
At last year's FIFA Club World Cup, also held in the United States, fans had similarly been barred from bringing water bottles into venues and complained of searing temperatures. FIFA has said misting stations, hydration stations, cooling tents and fans will be available at this year's venues.
The World Cup runs from June 11 through July 19 across the United States, Canada and Mexico.
