FIFA Bans Reusable Water Bottles at World Cup 2026 Over Safety Concerns

FIFA has reversed course on allowing reusable water bottles inside World Cup 2026 stadiums, implementing a late ban on bottles, cups, jars and cans just one week before the tournament begins on June 11. The governing body cited injury prevention as the reason, though heat experts and supporter organizations have warned the decision puts fan health at serious risk.

The Policy Reversal

FIFA's stadium code of conduct previously permitted empty, transparent reusable plastic bottles up to one litre in capacity. The sudden reversal came without advance notice to supporters groups, who had been assured that water bottles would be allowed. FIFA stated the prohibition aims to "prevent risk and injury to players and attendees," positioning it as a security measure to reduce missile-throwing incidents during matches.

The organization promised that water will remain available for purchase inside stadiums at standard venue prices, consistent with other events held at the same locations. However, FIFA has not publicly disclosed specific pricing for bottled water at World Cup venues.

Expert Criticism and Health Concerns

Scientists previously warned that FIFA's overall heat safety measures for the tournament are inadequate, with temperatures at 14 of the 16 host venues expected to exceed dangerous levels. Heat experts have directly criticized the bottle ban as counterintuitive to these safety protocols. Ronan Evain, executive director of Football Supporters Europe, stated that complicating water access increases the risk of serious heatstroke and dehydration among attendees. He emphasized that water should be treated as a health necessity, not a commodity or revenue opportunity.

The Free Lions England supporters group called the ban a "strange, late change," noting that free water availability had been a key discussion point with FIFA officials. Fan groups have also raised concerns about what they perceive as a money-driven decision, coming amid complaints about inflated ticket prices and train fares at the tournament.

Context and Precedent

Fans faced similar restrictions at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, where bottles were prohibited. However, FIFA allowed reusable water bottles at the Club World Cup held in the United States last summer, and the organization had initially planned to permit them again for this year's tournament across the United States, Mexico and Canada. The reversal has prompted questions about whether the security rationale is consistent with past practice.

FIFA responded to criticism by reaffirming its commitment to fan health and safety, noting that some of the 16 host venues already prohibited outside bottles for security reasons, and the organization applied this standard across all World Cup stadiums. The governing body cited additional heat mitigation measures including misting stations, cooling tents, hydration stations and fans positioned around stadium grounds.