LOS ANGELES (Reuters) – FIFA said on Friday it would allow fans to bring a disposable “soft plastic” water bottle into World Cup venues, after its ban on refillable bottles sparked outcry.
“All fans will be allowed to bring a disposable, factory-sealed 590ml soft plastic water bottle to any 2026 FIFA World Cup match in the United States and Canada,” Heimo Schirgi, director of World Cup operations, said in a video posted on Fifa’s X account.
The announcement, which FIFA called a “clarification” of its water bottle policy, comes two days after FIFA said refillable water bottles would not be permitted.
It was a change in the stadium’s official code of conduct that could force thirsty fans to pay for bottled water.
Fifa justified this decision for security reasons, “to avoid risks and injuries to players and spectators”.
“Outdoor bottles are already banned at several of these venues for safety reasons, and Fifa applies this consideration in all its tournament stadiums,” Fifa said in a statement. AFP.
On Friday, Fifa said these concerns remained valid.
Schirgi said “fans will not be allowed to bring hard, reusable water bottles for safety and security reasons,” showing examples of bottles that will and will not be allowed.
Forecasters have warned that fans could face health risks from extreme heat at outdoor venues during the World Cup, co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico.
A report released last month by research group World Weather Attribution estimates that 26 of the 104 World Cup matches will likely be played in conditions where the global wet bulb temperature (WBGT) exceeds 26 degrees.
WBGT is a measure of heat stress on the human body that combines temperature, humidity, wind and sunlight.
At last year’s FIFA Club World Cup in the United States, where fans complained of scorching temperatures, they were also banned from bringing bottled water into stadiums.
Fifa said misting stations, fans, hydration stations and cooling tents would be available within the “stadium footprint”.
Bottled water inside the venue will be sold at prices which “remain consistent with other events organized in each stadium”, FIFA said.
