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FIFA said on Friday that fans attending matches at the 2026 World Cup in the United States and Canada will be permitted to bring one factory-sealed disposable plastic water bottle into stadiums, easing a policy that had drawn criticism over concerns about hydration during the tournament.
The decision was announced by World Cup Chief Operating Officer Heimo Schirgi, who said spectators would be allowed to carry one soft plastic bottle of up to 20 ounces (590 ml) into venues.
The clarification comes two days after FIFA said refillable water bottles would not be allowed inside stadiums, a move that prompted criticism from supporters and public health advocates who warned that fans could face high temperatures during matches.
FIFA maintained that hard-sided reusable bottles would remain prohibited due to safety and security concerns.
"Fans will not be permitted to bring in hard-sided, reusable water bottles due to safety and security reasons," Schirgi said, displaying examples of permitted and prohibited containers.
The governing body said the restrictions are intended to reduce the risk of injury to players and spectators. FIFA noted that several host venues already ban outside bottles at sporting events and that a consistent policy would be applied across tournament stadiums.
The issue has gained attention amid warnings that extreme heat could affect parts of the expanded 48-team tournament, which will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico.
A report published last month by the World Weather Attribution research group estimated that 26 of the tournament's 104 matches could be played in conditions where the Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT), a measure of heat stress, exceeds 26 degrees Celsius.
During last year's FIFA Club World Cup in the United States, fans also complained about high temperatures and restrictions on bringing water bottles into stadiums.
FIFA said hydration stations, misting areas, cooling tents and fans would be available around venues to help spectators cope with hot weather conditions. Bottled water sold inside stadiums will be priced in line with rates charged during other events at the respective venues.
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