New York: FIFA has revised its stadium regulations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, prohibiting spectators from bringing reusable water bottles into venues across the United States, Canada and Mexico
The decision marks a reversal of the governing body’s earlier policy, which allowed fans to carry empty, transparent reusable plastic bottles with a capacity of up to 1 liter into stadiums.
According to a report by The New York Times, FIFA has informed ticket holders that its updated Stadium Code of Conduct no longer permits reusable water bottles inside World Cup venues.
The revised guidelines, updated June 2, removed language that previously stated: “For the avoidance of doubt, empty, transparent, reusable plastic bottles, up to 1 liter in capacity, may be brought into the stadium.”
The updated code now reads: “For the avoidance of doubt, reusable water bottles may not be brought into the stadium.”
FIFA has long prohibited glass and other hard containers because of safety concerns, as such items could potentially be used as projectiles. However, the inclusion of reusable plastic bottles in the ban is expected to draw criticism from fans and sustainability advocates.
The move means spectators will no longer be able to bring empty bottles and refill them at water stations inside stadiums, a practice widely encouraged at major sporting events to reduce plastic waste and help fans stay hydrated.
The issue is likely to be particularly sensitive given concerns over high temperatures at several World Cup venues. During last year’s FIFA Club World Cup, players and supporters raised concerns about extreme heat conditions, with bottled water sold inside stadiums reportedly costing between $4 and $6.
While pricing for the 2026 World Cup has not yet been announced, FIFA’s long-standing commercial partnership with The Coca-Cola Company means bottled water products, including the Dasani brand, are expected to be available at tournament venues.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be the largest edition in the tournament’s history, featuring 48 teams, 1,248 players and 104 matches across three host nations.
Defending champions Argentina enter the tournament after lifting the trophy at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, where captain Lionel Messi led his country to a third world title.
