FIFA Adjusts Water Bottle Policy Again, Allows Disposable Soft Plastic Bottles

Following backlash over a ban on reusable water bottles, the International Federation of Association Football (FIFA) announced on Wednesday that fans will be allowed to bring one "soft plastic" disposable water bottle into match venues during the World Cup.

In a video posted on FIFA's official X account, FIFA World Cup Chief Operating Officer Heimo Schirgi said, "All fans will be able to bring one 20-ounce (approximately 590 ml), factory-sealed, soft plastic disposable water bottle into the 2026 World Cup matches in the United States and Canada."

FIFA called the latest announcement a "clarification" of its water bottle policy. On June 3, FIFA announced a ban on bringing reusable water bottles into World Cup stadiums, a rule that could have forced thirsty fans to purchase bottled water on-site.

FIFA explained at the time that the adjustment was "based on safety reasons, as some venues already prohibited bringing in outside water bottles, and FIFA has now extended this rule to all match venues," aiming to avoid risks and harm to players and on-site personnel.

FIFA stated on Wednesday that related safety concerns remain. Schirgi said, "For safety and security reasons, fans cannot bring hard, reusable water bottles into the stadium," and he showed examples of allowed and prohibited bottles in the video.

Weather forecasting agencies have warned that extreme heat in open-air stadiums during this World Cup, co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, could pose health risks to fans.

A report released last month by World Weather Attribution estimated that 26 of the 104 World Cup matches will be played under conditions where the Wet-Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT) exceeds 26 degrees Celsius.

WBGT is an index that assesses heat stress on the human body, considering factors such as temperature, humidity, wind speed, and solar radiation.

FIFA stated that misting stations, fans, water refill stations, and cooling tents will be set up around the stadiums. The price of bottled water sold inside the venues will be kept at the same level as during other events at each stadium.