FIFA Bans Reusable Water Bottles at 2026 World Cup Stadiums

According to The Athletic, FIFA has made a last-minute change to its World Cup stadium regulations, banning fans from bringing reusable water bottles into venues.

Just three weeks ago, FIFA's official Stadium Code of Conduct included a clause stating: “For the avoidance of doubt, empty, transparent, reusable plastic bottles with a capacity of up to one litre may be brought into the stadium.”

However, according to an email reviewed by The Athletic, FIFA has informed World Cup ticket holders that the code has been updated. The email stated: “Reusable water bottles are no longer permitted inside FIFA World Cup 2026 stadiums.”

The revised Code of Conduct, updated on June 2, removed the previous guidance allowing empty reusable plastic bottles. The new wording reads: “For the avoidance of doubt, reusable water bottles may not be brought into the stadium.”

Other types of bottles are also prohibited due to the risk of injury if they are thrown. The Athletic has contacted FIFA for comment.

The decision is likely to prove controversial, as it means fans will not be able to refill empty bottles at water fountains or hydration stations inside stadiums.

During last summer’s FIFA Club World Cup, bottled water sold inside stadiums cost between $4 and $6. It remains unclear how much water will cost at the 2026 World Cup, but FIFA has a long-standing partnership with Coca-Cola, and Dasani bottled water will be sold at tournament venues.

Fan safety in extreme heat was already a major concern during last summer’s Club World Cup in the United States. In a 52-page report released in May, scientists from World Weather Attribution estimated that around 26 of the tournament’s 104 matches could be played in host cities where the Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT) exceeds 26°C. Five matches could take place in conditions where WBGT surpasses 28°C.

WBGT is a measure of heat stress that combines temperature, humidity, wind speed and solar radiation. It is widely used by the military, sports scientists and safety experts to assess the risk of heat-related illnesses.

FIFA’s position on reusable water bottles appears to have shifted several times. On May 13, FIFA told The Athletic: “FIFA is committed to protecting the health and safety of players, referees, fans, volunteers and staff.”

The governing body also stated that spectators would be allowed to bring one factory-sealed bottle of water into stadiums when high temperatures were forecast.

However, the latest email sent to ticket holders directs fans to Section 3.1.11 of the Stadium Code of Conduct, which makes no mention of sealed bottled water being permitted, even during hot-weather events.

The policy now only provides exemptions for “baby milk and sterilised water carried in containers” and liquids required for medical reasons. In such cases, medical documentation must be provided in English, French or Spanish.

Several host cities have reportedly been informed of the decision and are concerned about its impact. Stadiums in Kansas City, Boston, Miami, Philadelphia, San Francisco, and the New York/New Jersey area lack full roofs, potentially increasing heat-related risks for both players and spectators.

FIFA has already introduced measures to help players cope with high temperatures, including mandatory three-minute hydration breaks in each half. The organisation is also working to provide climate-controlled benches for coaches and substitute players at outdoor matches.