FIFA has changed its beverage policy at 2026 World Cup stadiums in the US and Canada, allowing spectators to bring single-use plastic water bottles after an earlier ban sparked criticism from fans and host city officials.
The initial policy permitted fans to bring empty, clear reusable plastic bottles up to 1 liter (34 oz). However, by Thursday, the world football governing body reversed course and banned reusable water bottles from venues for security reasons.
This meant spectators would have to buy water or soft drinks from stadium concessions, where pricing would 'remain consistent with other events held at each venue,' according to FIFA.
The strong backlash prompted FIFA to issue what it called a 'clarification' of its policy, stating: 'All spectators will be permitted to bring one sealed, factory-sealed, 20-ounce (590ml) single-use plastic water bottle into any FIFA World Cup 2026 match in the United States and Canada.'
'Spectators will not be permitted to bring hard-shell reusable water bottles into the venues for safety and security reasons.'
The updated policy did not address rules at stadiums in Mexico.
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani expressed satisfaction with FIFA's reversal. 'No one should fear being price-gouged for water, especially fans who often wait hours before a match in brutal heat,' said Mamdani, a soccer enthusiast who has advocated for affordable tickets for the World Cup in his hometown. Last month, he set aside 1,000 tickets at $50 for city residents when match tickets reached thousands of dollars.
Weather forecasters have warned that fans may face health risks from extreme heat at outdoor stadiums during the World Cup, co-hosted by the US, Canada, and Mexico from June 11 to July 19.
A report published last month by the World Weather Attribution research group estimated that 26 of the 104 World Cup matches are likely to occur under Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT) index conditions exceeding 26°C (78.8°F). WBGT measures heat stress on the human body, combining temperature, humidity, wind, and sunlight.
At last year's FIFA Club World Cup in the US, where fans complained about scorching temperatures, spectators were also banned from bringing water bottles into stadiums. FIFA noted that misting stations, fans, water stations, and cooling tents would be available 'within the stadium perimeter.' Fans at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar were also not allowed to bring reusable water bottles into venues.
