FIFA Standardizes Bottle Ban at 2026 World Cup Venues for Safety, Adds Hydration Stations

FIFA updated its stadium code of conduct on Tuesday to prohibit fans from bringing refillable or reusable water bottles into venues for the 2026 World Cup. The updated code also bans bottles, cups, jars and cans inside tournament stadiums. FIFA said the measures aim to prevent the risk of injury if items are thrown at players or fans.

“FIFA is committed to protecting the health and safety of all players, referees, fans, volunteers, and staff,” the organization stated. ” The change ends a policy that had allowed empty, transparent bottles up to one litre as recently as last month. Al Jazeera reported that the updated code, which came into effect from Tuesday, prohibits them.

The Athletic first reported the policy change on Wednesday. The 48-team tournament, co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico, runs from June 11 to July 19. Temperatures at some venues are expected to range between 26 and 28 degrees Celsius, or 79 and 82 degrees Fahrenheit.

Players will receive fixed hydration breaks, one in each half, during all matches. FIFA said hydration stations will be available for attendees, along with misting stations, fans, cooling tents and other measures around stadium footprints. “Inside the stadium footprint, pricing for water bottles for the FIFA World Cup 2026 will remain consistent with other events held at each stadium,” the organization added.

“Outside bottles are already prohibited at several of these venues for safety considerations, and FIFA is applying this consideration across its tournament stadiums,” the statement continued. “FIFA works closely with each Host City Committee and local authorities on heat mitigation factors for fans travelling to the stadium, which can include resources such as misting stations, fans, hydration stations, cooling tents and more around the stadium footprint,” the statement said.