FIFA has revised its matchday policy, approving fans to bring a disposable water bottle into the 2026 World Cup venues in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
The decision comes just days after widespread criticism of an earlier rule that banned refillable bottles entirely, a move that raised concerns over hydration and fan comfort amid expected extreme heat conditions.
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Clarified Water Bottle Policy
According to World Cup chief operating officer Heimo Schirgi, supporters will now be permitted to enter stadiums with one factory-sealed, soft plastic 20oz (590ml) disposable water bottle.
“All fans will be permitted to bring in one soft, plastic, 590ml, factory-sealed disposable water bottle into any FIFA World Cup 2026 match in the USA and Canada,” Schirgi said in a video posted on FIFA’s X account.
FIFA described the update as a “clarification” of its existing stadium policy, which had initially sparked backlash after banning refillable bottles outright.
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Safety Concerns Behind Restrictions
FIFA maintained that the restrictions were driven by safety considerations, stating that outside bottles are already prohibited in several venues.
“Outside bottles are already prohibited at several of these venues for safety considerations, and FIFA is applying this consideration across its tournament stadiums,” the organisation said in a statement.
Schirgi also confirmed that hard-sided reusable bottles will remain banned due to security risks, displaying examples of permitted and prohibited containers.
Heat Concerns Ahead of Tournament
The policy adjustment comes amid growing concerns over extreme heat conditions expected during the expanded 2026 tournament.
A report by the World Weather Attribution group estimates that 26 of 104 matches could be played in conditions where the wet-bulb global temperature exceeds 26°C, a level associated with significant heat stress risks.
The United States, Canada and Mexico will jointly host the tournament, with many matches scheduled in open-air stadiums exposed to high summer temperatures.
Cooling Measures and Stadium Provisions
At the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup in the United States, fans already faced similar restrictions and complaints over soaring temperatures.
FIFA says it will provide cooling and hydration support across stadiums, including misting stations, fans, hydration zones and cooling tents within the “stadium footprint”.
However, bottled water sold inside venues will remain priced in line with other stadium events, FIFA confirmed.
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