The World Football Authority confirmed that fans attending matches in the US and Canada will be allowed to bring a disposable plastic water bottle, soft type and still sealed by the manufacturer into the stadium. This is a significant step back for FIFA after many days of facing opposition from public opinion.
FIFA World Cup 2026 Operations Director, Heimo Schirgi, has confirmed this update policy, but he emphasized that hard and reusable water bottles will still be banned for safety and security reasons.
This reverse move took place just days after FIFA caused outrage by quietly updating the stadium code of conduct to completely ban reusable water bottles – a last-minute change that angered fans in the context of hot weather forecast throughout the tournament.
Experts predict that 93% of matches will take place in temperatures exceeding 28°C.
The initial ban caused a wave of anger on social media. Fans called the action "a humiliation" and expressed concern about the safety of spectators coming to the stadium in the summer heat of the host cities in the US.
Just 3 weeks ago, FIFA's Official Stadium Code of Conduct also included a clause stating: "To avoid misunderstandings, empty, transparent, reusable plastic water bottles with a maximum capacity of 1 liter can be brought into the stadium".
However, on June 2, this rule was said to have been updated to: "To avoid misunderstanding, reused water bottles are not allowed to be brought into the stadium".
Since then, many people have gone online to criticize FIFA.
This is really shocking. FIFA has become a farce against the altar of what they should have represented," a user wrote on X.
Another person posted: "That's an insult. Basic human rights are deprived and now fans are forced to spend more money. As if they haven't spent enough already. It's really greedy".
Another person predicted: "Beverage prices will definitely be shocking. Filtered water will cost at least 10 USD. This scandal is getting bigger and bigger".
At the Club World Cup in the US last summer, FIFA sold bottled water for 4 to 6 USD amid similar concerns about hot temperatures.
It is still unclear how much this organization will charge at the 2026 World Cup, with the Dasani water brand expected to be sold at the competition venues.
