FIFA reverses water bottle ban for 2026 World Cup after backlash, allows sealed 590 ml disposables in US and Canada
Days after banning all reusable bottles from stadiums, FIFA now says fans at the 2026 World Cup in the US and Canada can bring one factory-sealed disposable plastic bottle of up to 590 ml. The reversal follows sharp criticism from supporters' groups, mayors and health experts who warned of heat risks during the June–July tournament.
The policy reversal
FIFA has partially walked back a ban on water bottles at the 2026 men's World Cup, announcing on Friday that fans attending matches in the United States and Canada may bring one soft, factory-sealed disposable plastic bottle with a capacity of up to 20 ounces (590 ml). The announcement came via a video posted on social media by FIFA Chief Operating Officer Heimo Schirgi, who said he wanted to provide "some clarity" on the rules. Hard-sided and reusable bottles remain prohibited on safety grounds.
All fans are permitted to bring one soft, factory-sealed single-use plastic water bottle with a capacity of 20 ounces (590 ml) to every match of the FIFA World Cup 2026 in the USA and Canada.
The reversal comes roughly one week before the tournament kicks off on 11 June. FIFA had updated its stadium code of conduct on 2 June to ban all bottles, including empty reusable ones that had previously been allowed. The earlier change drew immediate condemnation.
The backlash
Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow called the original ban "pure money-making" and "outrageous," arguing that buying water in the stadium is more expensive and worse for the environment than bringing it from home. New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani had described the rule as "concerning" and said after the reversal that he was glad no one would have to worry about affording hydration, especially fans waiting for hours in extreme heat.
This is pure money-making. Why should you buy a water bottle when you can just bring your water? It's cheaper and better for the environment.
Fan organisations also protested. The English Football Supporters' Association pointed to temperatures that could regularly exceed 30 degrees Celsius and accused FIFA of breaking earlier promises on free water access. The group Free Lions said fans' first thought was that the ban was "just the next money-making scheme." Coca-Cola, a long-time FIFA sponsor, holds exclusive beverage rights inside the stadiums, including for water.
Heat and health concerns
The tournament runs from 11 June to 19 July across 16 venues in the US, Mexico and Canada, with 48 teams playing 104 matches. Several host cities are expecting temperatures of 32 degrees Celsius and above, and some stadiums offer little shade. A report published last month by the research group World Weather Attribution estimated that 26 of the 104 matches would likely be played under conditions where the wet-bulb globe temperature exceeds 26 degrees — a threshold above which health risks for athletes are considered elevated.
- FIFA says empty, transparent reusable bottles up to 1 litre will be allowed in stadiums.
- FIFA updates stadium code of conduct, banning all bottles including empty reusable ones.
- Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow and fan groups publicly condemn the ban; New York Mayor expresses concern.
- FIFA reverses policy: one sealed 590 ml disposable bottle allowed per fan in US and Canada.
- World Cup 2026 kicks off across the US, Mexico and Canada.
FIFA says host cities will provide heat-mitigation measures around stadiums, including drinking water stations, misting zones and cooling tents. Water prices inside venues will be set at levels comparable to other events in each location, according to Reuters.
What remains unclear
The video announcement did not explicitly mention Mexico, a co-host nation where matches will be played in Mexico City, Guadalajara and Monterrey. It was initially unclear whether the revised policy applies there. Reusable bottles with rigid bodies remain banned across all venues, with Schirgi citing the risk of objects being thrown at players or spectators.
FIFA is committed to protecting the health and safety of all players, referees, fans, volunteers and staff. FIFA decided to ban the bringing of bottles to avoid risks and injuries to players and visitors.
Portugal, drawn into Group K, opens its campaign on 17 June against DR Congo in Houston at noon local time, followed by Uzbekistan on 23 June at the same venue and time, and Colombia on 27 June in Miami at 7:30 pm local time.
