FIFA introduces new water bottle rules for 2026 World Cup venues

FIFA has banned fans from bringing refillable water bottles into 2026 World Cup venues, a last-minute change that will require supporters to purchase bottled water inside stadiums, The Athletic reported on Wednesday.

Previously, FIFA’s stadium code of conduct allowed empty, transparent, reusable bottles up to one litre. The updated regulations now explicitly prohibit all refillable bottles, citing safety concerns.

“For the avoidance of doubt, reusable water bottles may not be brought into the stadium,” the revised code states.

A FIFA spokesperson told AFP that the rule aims to protect the health and safety of players, referees, fans, volunteers, and staff. Several venues already barred refillable bottles, and the new policy applies the same restrictions across all tournament stadiums.

Misting stations, hydration points, and cooling tents will be available throughout stadiums. Bottled water will be sold at prices consistent with other events held at each venue.

Experts have raised concerns that extreme heat at open-air venues may pose health risks for fans under the new restrictions. According to the World Weather Attribution research group, 26 of 104 games could see Wet Bulb Global Temperature (WBGT) levels exceeding 26 degrees, a measure of combined heat and humidity stress on the human body.

Fans experienced similar restrictions during last year’s FIFA Club World Cup in the United States, where high temperatures prompted complaints about the ban on refillable water bottles.