FIFA bans reusable water bottles at 2026 World Cup venues

FIFA has updated its Stadium Code of Conduct for the 2026 World Cup to prohibit supporters from bringing reusable water bottles into tournament venues, reversing earlier guidance that had allowed empty, transparent bottles.The policy shift matters commercially and operationally because it affects queue management, in-stadium spend, fan welfare planning and the wider event-day experience at a tournament staged in summer conditions across the US, Canada and Mexico.FIFA said the change, effective June 2, is driven by safety risk and aligned with restrictions already in place at a number of host stadiums.FIFA said: “FIFA is committed to protecting the health and safety of all players, referees, fans, volunteers, and staff. FIFA made the decision to prohibit bottles to prevent risk and injury to players and attendees.”The ban extends beyond reusable bottles to include other containers such as bottles, cups, jars and cans, with FIFA positioning the move as a mitigation against thrown objects and related injuries.The decision has prompted concerns about hydration access, particularly at venues expected to see temperatures in the mid-to-high 20s Celsius during parts of the tournament.FIFA said it is working with host city committees and local authorities on a package of heat mitigation measures around stadium footprints.FIFA said: “FIFA works closely with each Host City Committee and local authorities on heat mitigation factors for fans traveling to the stadium, which can include resources such as misting stations, fans, hydration stations, cooling tents and more around the stadium footprint.”FIFA also sought to address pricing sensitivity by linking water costs to existing venue practices rather than introducing tournament-specific pricing.FIFA said: “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 rule change lands in a cycle where organisers and venue operators are balancing security protocols with consumer experience, particularly as large-scale events face increased scrutiny around heat, dwell time on concourses and access to basic services.The 48-team World Cup runs from June 11 to July 19, expanding to 104 matches, which increases the operational load on venues and local authorities across the host footprint.The next steps are venue operators aligning screening and in-stadium operations to the updated code, while FIFA and host cities finalise heat mitigation deployment and communications so fans understand hydration options before matchday.