Fifa has once again amended its water bottle policy for the 2026 World Cup in North America, now permitting fans to bring one sealed, disposable 590ml plastic bottle into stadiums. The decision comes after widespread backlash against an earlier ban on reusable bottles.
Policy Reversal
Ticket holders had previously been allowed to bring an empty, transparent, and reusable bottle of up to one litre. However, an update earlier this week confirmed that reusable bottles were no longer permitted. The move drew sharp criticism from fan groups, scientific experts, and political leaders concerned about spectator welfare in extreme heat.
UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer labelled the ban "wrong" and accused Fifa of prioritising profit over safety. "You can't bring plastic bottles in, but you can buy a bottle of water when you get in the crowd? And then it'll be expensive. The tickets themselves cost a fortune," he told LBC radio.
Fifa's Justification
Fifa partially backtracked on the policy, announcing that all fans will be permitted to bring one soft, plastic, 20-ounce (590ml), factory-sealed disposable water bottle into any 2026 World Cup match in the USA and Canada. Heimo Schirgi, the World Cup 2026 chief operating officer, clarified: "What is not allowed are hard-sided resealable water containers, which could pose a safety and security risk."
During last summer's Club World Cup in the United States, fans were allowed to bring empty bottles into stadiums, with water available for purchase at prices between £3 and £4.50. Fifa had earlier stated that the ban aimed to "prevent risk and injury to players and attendees."
The policy change follows condemnation from various stakeholders, highlighting ongoing tensions between security measures, fan comfort, and commercial interests at major sporting events.
