FIFA has prohibited the use of reusable plastic water bottles in all the 2026 North and Central America World Cup stadiums, a move that has been slammed by fans and safety experts in the wake of extreme heat conditions in the summer months.
On June 2nd, the governing body updated its stadium safety guidelines, announcing that reusable bottles can no longer be brought into stadiums.
The governing body revised its stadium safety guidelines on June 2nd, and informed spectators that reusable bottles, which were before allowed inside if clear and under a litre, would no longer be allowed inside stadiums.
Single use plastic bottles are also banned. Medical liquids, infant formula and sterilised water are the only exceptions and all require a medical certificate in English, French or Spanish to bring them into the stadium.
FIFA justified the decision on safety grounds, saying that the same is already in place at a number of other stadiums around the world.
FIFA also imposed a hefty fine on fans at the Club World Cup last July, charging four to six dollars per bottle for bringing them into the stadium. It is not yet certain if similar penalties will be in effect in 2026.
Instead of individuals bringing their own water bottles, FIFA will sell water through its official World Cup partner, Dasani, in the stadiums, which has raised questions about the real motivation for the rule coming in, due to economic interests or safety guidelines.
The release has come at a time when heat is a big concern. The World Weather Attribution group had previously reported that 26 out of 104 of the matches were likely to be played under extreme heatwave conditions last month.
Heat mitigation policies are being developed by several host cities individually.
According to a UK Football Supporters’ Association spokesperson, FIFA should have the health of fans in mind rather than the sales of bottled water.
To mitigate the threat of heat-related issues, FIFA will install misting devices, fans, hydration stations and cooling tents inside the venues, it says.
Also read: FIFA confirms training bases for 2026 World Cup nations
