FIFA Extends Safety Ban on Outside Bottles, Cans and Cups to All 2026 World Cup Venues

FIFA will prohibit supporters and volunteers from bringing reusable water bottles, cans and cups into venues for the 2026 World Cup. The prohibition was announced one week before the tournament opens. The 48-team event is scheduled across stadiums in the United States, Canada and Mexico, with several matches expected during hot weather.

Empty, transparent, reusable plastic bottles had been permitted under FIFA’s Stadium Code of Conduct until the late revision. Outside bottles are already barred at several of the venues for safety reasons, and the organization is extending that rule to all tournament sites. Misting stations, fans, hydration stations and cooling tents will be placed around stadium perimeters.

Drinking water must be purchased inside the venues. “FIFA is committed to protecting the health and safety of all players, referees, fans, volunteers, and staff,” the organization said in its statement. FIFA added that it works with each Host City Committee and local authorities on heat-mitigation measures.

Pricing for water bottles sold inside stadiums will remain consistent with pricing at other events held at the same venues. FIFA said the decision has been made to prevent risk and injury to players and attendees. For the first time, every match at the 2026 World Cup will feature a three-minute hydration break for players during each half, regardless of the temperature.

The England supporters’ group Free Lions described the bottle ban as a strange, late change. Free Lions stated that FIFA had previously assured them that free water would be available and fans could bring in their own water bottles. “What next?

” the Free Lions posted on X. Free Lions said that in all of their discussions, free water availability in stadiums was a key point and they were assured by FIFA that this would be the case, and that fans will have the ability to bring their own water bottle.

Outside bottles are already prohibited at several of these venues for safety considerations and FIFA is applying this consideration across its tournament stadiums.