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FIFA has revised its controversial water bottle policy for the 2026 World Cup, announcing that fans will now be allowed to bring one factory-sealed disposable plastic water bottle into match venues across the United States and Canada.
The decision, described by FIFA as a clarification of its policy, comes just days after the football governing body faced criticism for banning refillable water bottles from stadiums hosting World Cup matches.
In a video posted on FIFA’s official X account on Friday, World Cup Chief Operating Officer, Heimo Schirgi, said supporters would be permitted to carry one soft, plastic, factory-sealed disposable water bottle of up to 20 ounces (590ml) into any match venue.
“All fans will be permitted to bring in one, soft, plastic 20 ounces (590ml), factory sealed disposable water bottle into any FIFA World Cup 2026 match in the USA and Canada,” Schirgi said.
The updated guidance follows widespread concern that the original restriction could force fans to purchase bottled water inside stadiums, despite forecasts of potentially dangerous temperatures during the tournament.
FIFA defended its earlier decision on safety grounds, stating that restrictions on outside bottles already exist at several venues and were being applied uniformly across tournament stadiums to reduce risks to players and spectators.
However, the organisation maintained that reusable hard-sided bottles would remain prohibited.
Schirgi explained that fans would not be allowed to bring hard-sided, refillable water containers into venues due to ongoing safety and security concerns.
The issue has drawn increased attention amid warnings from weather experts about the possibility of extreme heat during the tournament, which will be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico.
A report by the World Weather Attribution research group estimated that 26 of the tournament’s 104 matches could be played in conditions where the Wet Bulb Global Temperature (WBGT) exceeds 26 degrees Celsius — a threshold associated with heightened heat stress risks.
WBGT measures the impact of heat on the human body by combining factors such as temperature, humidity, sunlight and wind.
Concerns over spectator welfare are not new. During last year’s FIFA Club World Cup in the United States, fans complained about intense heat while also facing restrictions on bringing water bottles into stadiums.
To address heat-related challenges, FIFA said stadium areas will include hydration stations, cooling tents, misting stations and fans to help supporters cope with high temperatures.
The organisation also noted that bottled water sold inside venues would be priced in line with rates charged during other events hosted at the respective stadiums.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup is expected to be the largest in the tournament’s history, with matches spread across multiple cities in North America and millions of fans expected to attend.
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