Visitors to the 2026 FIFA World Cup will not be allowed to bring reusable water bottles into venues due to safety concerns, FIFA said on Thursday, following a last-minute change to the Stadium Code of Conduct.
The governing body, which had previously allowed empty, transparent, reusable plastic bottles in stadiums, said the updated code – which comes into effect from Tuesday – now bans this.
Other objects such as bottles, cups, jars and cans are also prohibited to avoid the risk of injury when thrown.
“FIFA is committed to protecting the health and safety of all players, referees, fans, volunteers and staff,” FIFA told Reuters in a statement. “FIFA has made the decision to ban bottles to prevent risks and injuries to players and visitors.”
“Outdoor bottles are already banned at several of these locations for safety reasons and FIFA is applying this consideration in its tournament stadiums.”
The move has raised concerns among supporters about coping with heat, with temperatures expected to be between 26 and 28 degrees Celsius in a number of venues, as well as access to drinking water in stadiums.
FIFA said measures would be taken to deal with the circumstances.
“FIFA is working closely with each host city committee and local authorities on heat mitigation factors for fans traveling to the stadium, including aids such as misting stations, fans, drink stations, cooling tents and more around the stadium footprint,” the statement said.
“Within the stadium footprint, water bottle prices for the 2026 FIFA World Cup will remain consistent with other events held at each stadium.”
The 48-team World Cup, co-hosted by the US, Canada and Mexico, runs from June 11 to July 19. The tournament will feature 104 matches, up from 64 previously, including an extra knockout round.
Published on June 4, 2026
