Fans heading to this year's World Cup will not be allowed to bring their own reusable water bottles into the stadiums, after FIFA announced a change to the rules just days before the tournament begins. The decision has quickly become a point of contention among supporters who had planned to carry their own water to matches expected to be played in significant heat.
While some ticket holders received an email notice about the change the day before, FIFA made the formal announcement on Thursday morning, after what officials described as last minute changes to the stadium code of conduct. The shift in policy caught many fans off guard so close to the opening matches of the competition.
According to FIFA, the restriction covers more than just bottles. The organization said it was banning reusable water bottles along with cups, jars and cans from entering the venues, and pointed to safety concerns as the reason behind the wider prohibition on bringing such items into the stands.
The move has caused unease among supporters and fan groups who are worried about the rising heat at several of the host venues. With temperatures expected to climb during the tournament, the prospect of being unable to carry water has raised questions about how spectators will stay safe through long stretches in the sun.
One advocate stressed how important access to water would be, saying that hydration, shade and limiting physical activity are all key to coping with extreme heat. The concern, the advocate explained, is that there needs to be a way for fans to get water that is not prohibitively expensive, because some people will simply choose not to buy it, putting themselves at a higher level of risk.
In response to those worries, FIFA said measures would be in place to deal with excessive heat conditions inside the stadiums. The organization pointed to cooling zones and accessible healthcare facilities for spectators who may become overheated, presenting them as part of its plan to protect fans during the hottest matches.
The dispute over water bottles arrives just as the tournament is about to begin, with the 2026 World Cup set to kick off on June 11 in Mexico City. For supporters in the United States, the first match on home soil is scheduled to take place in Seattle on June 15, leaving little time for fans to adjust to the new restrictions before the games get under way.