FIFA has announced that spectators attending matches at the 2026 FIFA World Cup will not be allowed to bring reusable water bottles into stadiums, citing safety concerns and the need to protect players, officials and fans.
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The decision follows a last-minute amendment to FIFA’s Stadium Code of Conduct, which came into effect earlier this week. Under previous guidelines, spectators were permitted to carry empty, transparent reusable plastic bottles into venues. However, the updated regulations now prohibit reusable bottles along with other items such as cans, jars, cups and containers.
: Last-minute change, fans will NOT be allowed to bring their own water bottles to the 2026 World Cup.
Despite the high temperatures expected during the tournament, FIFA has announced the ban “for security reasons”. pic.twitter.com/eleiVTq34j
— FIFA World Cup HQ (@FIFAWCHQ) June 4, 2026
In a statement, FIFA said the measure was introduced to reduce the risk of injury caused by objects being thrown inside stadiums. The governing body noted that several host venues already enforce similar restrictions during major events and that a unified policy would now apply across all World Cup stadiums.
The decision has sparked concerns among supporters, particularly regarding hydration during matches. Some host cities are expected to experience temperatures ranging between 26 and 28 degrees Celsius during the tournament, raising questions about access to drinking water for fans attending games.
FIFA said it is working closely with local authorities and host city committees to implement heat-mitigation measures. These include hydration stations, misting areas, cooling tents and fans positioned around stadium precincts to help visitors cope with warm weather conditions.
The organization also stated that bottled water sold inside stadiums will be priced in line with rates charged during other events held at the respective venues. Officials said maintaining access to drinking water remains a priority despite the new restrictions.
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The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico. Scheduled to run from June 11 to July 19, the tournament will feature 48 teams and 104 matches, making it the largest World Cup in the competition’s history.