FIFA has announced a ban on refillable water bottles at World Cup stadiums, a late policy change that will require fans to purchase bottled water inside tournament venues.
According to reports, FIFA recently updated its stadium code of conduct, removing a previous provision that allowed spectators to bring empty, transparent reusable plastic bottles of up to one litre into stadiums. The revised guidelines now explicitly state that reusable water bottles are prohibited.
Defending the decision, FIFA said the measure was introduced for safety reasons and aligns with existing policies at several World Cup venues. The governing body stated that banning bottles would help reduce potential risks to players, spectators and event staff.
To address hydration concerns, FIFA said fans would have access to hydration stations, misting areas, cooling tents and other facilities within stadium grounds. Bottled water will also be available for purchase, with prices expected to remain consistent with rates charged during other events at the venues.
The decision has sparked debate, particularly as experts continue to warn about the impact of extreme heat during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be hosted across the United States, Canada and Mexico. A recent climate study suggested that several matches could be played under conditions associated with elevated heat stress risks.
Similar restrictions were enforced during the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup in the United States, where supporters also complained about high temperatures and limited options for bringing their own water into stadiums.
