FIFA bans reusable water bottles at 2026 World Cup stadiums
New York, June 4
FIFA has made a last-minute reversal of its World Cup stadium policy, banning fans from bringing water bottles into venues across North America.
According to the New York Times, FIFA's official Stadium Code of Conduct included a clause which said: "For the avoidance of doubt, empty, transparent, reusable plastic bottles, up to (1 litre in) capacity, may be brought into the Stadium."
However, FIFA has informed World Cup ticket holders that it has updated its code of conduct, notifying fans that "reusable water bottles are no longer permitted at FIFA World Cup 2026 stadiums."
The code of conduct, updated on June 2, removed previous guidance that allowed fans to bring empty, reusable plastic bottles into stadiums. "For the avoidance of doubt, reusable water bottles may not be brought into the stadium."
Other types of bottles are also prohibited because they could cause injury if thrown. The ban on reusable plastic bottles is likely to prove controversial, as fans will no longer be able to refill an empty bottle at a water fountain or dispenser inside stadiums.
At last summer's Club World Cup, where players and supporters raised concerns about extreme heat, bottled water was sold at FIFA venues for between $4 and $6. While prices for the 2026 World Cup have yet to be announced, FIFA maintains a long-standing partnership with Coca-Cola, and its bottled water brand, Dasani, is expected to be available at World Cup stadiums.
FIFA has also confirmed a record-breaking participation for the upcoming World Cup 2026, with final squad lists revealing 1,248 players from 48 nations set to compete in the expanded global tournament.
Argentina are the reigning champion of the FIFA World Cup after winning the 2022 marquee tournament in Qatar.
With just a few days remaining until kick-off, the latest figures underline the unprecedented scale of the competition, which will feature more teams, players and matches than any previous edition of the marquee event.
— ANI
Reader Comments
"Wait, so FIFA allowed empty reusable bottles initially, then changed the rules at the last minute? That's just confusing and unfair to fans who already bought tickets and planned accordingly. I get the safety angle about throwing bottles, but there are safer alternatives like collapsible cups or pouches. This feels like a cash grab to me."
"Absolutely ridiculous decision! In India, we're trying to move away from plastic bottles with 'Refill, Not Landfill' campaigns, and FIFA is going backwards. The 2026 World Cup is already going to be a logistical nightmare with 48 teams, and now they want dehydrated fans? Water is a basic right, not a luxury item. Someone should start a petition!"
"I'm all for safety, but banning reusable bottles while selling expensive single-use plastics is hypocritical. Why not have free water stations and allow empty bottles? That's what we do at many stadiums in Australia. FIFA needs to think about fan welfare, especially in hot climates. The Copa América and Qatar 2022 showed us heat-related issues are real."
"FIFA and common sense don't mix well, do they? First they expand the tournament to 48 teams (more matches = more money), now they ban water bottles. As someone who attended the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, I can tell you hydration is key. At least allow sealed plastic water bottles or vending machines with reasonable prices. This is pure greed dressed up as security."
J James A "As a We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.