Fans will not be able to take reusable water bottles into stadiums at the 2026 World Cup after a late U-turn by FIFA has led to a backlash from supporters.
Fans were previously able to bring transparent reusable plastic bottles, which could hold no more than a litre, into stadium surroundings as specified by the FIFA stadium code of conduct. However, a new set of rules, published on June 2, prevents reusable bottles from entering any of the stadiums which will host the World Cup in North America.
This implies that fans will be unable to fill their bottles up from water points at the ground, at a time when worries grow about high temperatures and extreme summer conditions during the tournament.
However, a spokesperson for the governing body said that FIFA changed its stance on the issue for security purposes-‘there was an incident involving a plastic bottle being thrown’, stated the representative- though this incident occurred at a previous tournament rather than during a World Cup event, and said that FIFA wanted to implement a consistent policy among their various venues which was already adopted by many individual stadiums.
In an attempt to compensate for the higher temperatures the fan-base can expect, the host cities said that hydration points, fans, mist zones and cooling tents would be situated around stadiums for those attending matches. Water would also be sold on-site but at no more than the current prices at respective stadiums.
The ruling has led to concern among fan communities who said it prioritises player and stadium security over the wellbeing of fans, and it is expected the matches could well be contested in high heat and humidity levels.
