Football’s global governing body FIFA has sparked widespread outrage after making a last-minute reversal on its stadium entry policy ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
Fans attending the tournament will no longer be permitted to bring reusable water bottles into venues, following a sudden update to FIFA’s Stadium Code of Conduct.
What makes this particularly controversial is the timing — as recently as last month, FIFA had explicitly allowed empty, transparent, reusable plastic bottles of up to one litre inside stadiums, but the updated rules, which came into effect earlier this week, now prohibit them entirely.
FIFA cited safety as the reason behind the decision. The ban also covers bottles, cups, jars and cans, with FIFA stating that the measure is intended to reduce the risk of objects being thrown and causing injuries to players, officials, or other spectators.
To manage the heat, FIFA said host cities will provide measures such as hydration stations, misting areas, cooling tents and fans around stadiums.
However, critics are not convinced. Concerns have been raised about fans coping with heat, as temperatures at some venues are expected to range between 26 and 28 degrees Celsius.
At last summer’s Club World Cup, bottled water was sold at FIFA venues for between $4 and $6 (Open Magazine) — raising fears of profiteering.
FIFA maintains a long-standing partnership with Coca-Cola, and its bottled water brand Dasani is expected to be available at World Cup stadiums.
The 2026 World Cup, co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, runs from June 11 to July 19.
- Guardian