FIFA partially reverses World Cup water bottle ban after political and fan backlash

FIFA has partially reversed a controversial ban on water bottles at the 2026 World Cup, announcing on Friday that spectators may bring one soft, factory-sealed disposable plastic bottle of up to 20 ounces (590 ml) into venues in the United States and Canada. The move follows a global backlash after the governing body updated its Stadium Code of Conduct on Tuesday to prohibit reusable bottles, which had previously been permitted.

The policy reversal

The new rule, confirmed by World Cup chief operating officer Heimo Schirgi, allows a single sealed disposable bottle but maintains the prohibition on hard-sided and reusable containers. FIFA cited safety and security risks from items that could be thrown. The reversal does not yet apply to stadiums in Mexico, where the tournament kicks off on Thursday when Mexico host South Africa at the Azteca Stadium.

All fans will be permitted to bring in one, soft, plastic, 20 ounces (590ml), factory sealed disposable water bottle into any Fifa World Cup 2026 match in the USA and Canada.

What is not allowed are hard-sided resealable water containers, which could pose a safety and security risk.

Political and public pressure

The initial ban drew sharp criticism from elected officials. Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow called the policy a "pure money grab," while New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani said he was "concerned" and intended to follow up with FIFA. UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer branded the measure "wrong" and said it was "about making money."

It's outrageous. They're just looking to get richer. They already make billions. This has to stop.

We are going to look into this further with FIFA to better understand the reasons for this decision. We don't want spectators to go without water because of the price in the stadium.

Heat concerns at host venues

The controversy is heightened by extreme summer temperatures expected across North American host cities. Climate scientists have indicated that "punishing heat" could affect a quarter of World Cup matches, including the final in New Jersey on 19 July. In Houston and Dallas, summer temperatures often approach 40°C with high humidity. FIFA has said host cities will provide heat-mitigation measures including hydration stations, misting areas and cooling tents.

Commercial considerations

Multiple reports suggest commercial factors influenced the initial ban. FIFA takes the bulk of revenue from stadium concession sales, and its soft-drink partner Coca-Cola sells Dasani water and sodas inside venues. The Athletic reported that members of FIFA's own safety and security teams had expressed internal concerns about the bottle ban. Coca-Cola sources denied involvement in the decision. Ten of the 16 World Cup stadiums normally permit fans to bring empty bottles.

It's just wrong. And I can't help but think that it's about making money. So you can't bring plastic bottles in but you can buy a bottle of water when you get in the crowd? And then it'll be expensive.

Other prohibited items

FIFA's updated code of conduct also bans vuvuzelas, the plastic horns that became notorious during the 2010 World Cup in South Africa. The governing body has prohibited all "excessively noisy devices," including whistles and horns. Laser pointers and similar devices are also forbidden. Body paint and tattoos are not considered clothing under the code, and stripping or exposing intimate body parts is grounds for ejection from the stadium.