Maseru, Jun. 04 — Football fans attending the 2026 FIFA World Cup will not be allowed to bring reusable water bottles into match venues after football’s governing body introduced a last-minute change to its Stadium Code of Conduct, citing safety concerns.
The revised regulations, which came into effect on June 02, prohibit spectators from carrying reusable bottles into any of the tournament’s 16 stadiums across the United States, Canada and Mexico. The decision reverses FIFA’s earlier policy, which had allowed fans to bring empty, transparent reusable plastic bottles with a capacity of up to one litre into stadiums.
According to FIFA, the ban is intended to reduce the risk of injuries that could result if bottles or similar objects are thrown during matches. The updated code also prohibits other containers such as cups, jars and cans. FIFA said the measure is part of broader efforts to protect players, officials, supporters, volunteers and stadium staff throughout the tournament.
The move has, however, sparked concerns among supporters, particularly as several host cities are expected to experience high temperatures during the tournament. Critics argue that reusable bottles provide an affordable and environmentally friendly way for fans to stay hydrated while reducing plastic waste. Some supporters have questioned the timing of the decision, given that preparations for the tournament are already at an advanced stage.
In response to concerns over heat exposure, FIFA says it is working with host city authorities to implement measures aimed at protecting spectators. These include hydration stations, cooling tents, misting stations and other heat-mitigation initiatives around stadium precincts. FIFA has also indicated that water prices inside venues will remain in line with those charged during other events hosted at the same stadiums.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be the largest in the tournament’s history, featuring 48 national teams and 104 matches. It will be jointly hosted by three North American nations – the United States, Canada and Mexico, from June 11 to July 19.
The competition will be staged in 16 host cities. In the United States, matches will be played in Boston, New York/New Jersey, Philadelphia, Miami, Atlanta, Dallas, Houston, Kansas City, Seattle, San Francisco Bay Area and Los Angeles. Canada’s host cities are Vancouver and Toronto, while Mexico will host matches in Mexico City, Monterrey and Guadalajara. The venues stretch across the North American continent, from Vancouver on Canada’s Pacific coast to Boston on the eastern seaboard of the United States.
The tournament is expected to attract millions of supporters from around the world and is projected to be one of the most attended sporting events ever staged. With security and fan welfare under intense scrutiny, FIFA’s latest decision highlights the challenge of balancing safety requirements with spectator convenience and comfort. As the countdown to kick-off continues, the debate over access to drinking water inside stadiums is likely to remain a contentious issue among supporters.
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