FIFA has sparked fury after banning supporters from bringing water bottles into World Cup venues in a last-minute U-turn on its stadium policy. According to The Athletic, World Cup ticket holders have been informed by the governing body that it has updated its code of conduct to state that 'reusable water bottles are no longer permitted at the FIFA World Cup 2026 stadiums'.
The controversial move comes despite the threat of searing conditions throughout this summer's tournament in the US, Mexico and Canada, with experts predicting that 93 percent of matches will be played in temperatures exceeding 28°C (82.4°F).
Just three weeks ago FIFA's official Stadium Code of Conduct included a clause which said: 'For the avoidance of doubt, empty, transparent, reusable plastic bottles, up to (1 liter in) capacity, may be brought into the Stadium.' Yet on June 2, the code of conduct was reportedly updated to instead read: 'For the avoidance of doubt, reusable water bottles may not be brought into the stadium.'
World Cup spectators will not even be able to refill an empty bottle purchased inside stadiums at a water fountain or dispenser, meaning they will instead need to purchase new bottles each time. FIFA has sparked fury after banning fans from bringing water bottles into World Cup venues. Supporters will not even be allowed to refill bottles that have been purchased inside stadiums.
FIFA's decision has left fans furious, with a number of them expressing anger online. 'This is absolutely shocking. FIFA have become a dystopian parody of what they are meant to be,' one user wrote on X. Another posted: 'That’s a disgrace. Basic human right removed and now fans made to spend more $$. Like they’re not already going to be spending enough. Greedy.'
'Buy them in the stadium? So what does that achieve? Are they suddenly safe cos they cost more?' asked a third. 'So what happens when they run out? Because in 95° heat and 60,000+ people - They might. This is f***ing ridiculous,' a fourth user argued. While one predicted: 'Those drinks are going to be absolutely shocking in price. Water will be $10 at least. The scandal just keeps getting bigger.'
At last summer's Club World Cup in the US, FIFA charged between $4 and $6 for bottled water amid similar concerns over sweltering temperatures. It is currently unclear how much the organization will be charging at this summer's World Cup, with water brand Dasani expected to be sold in the venues.
