Fans banned from taking water bottles to World Cup matches
Thu Jun 04, 2026 3:23 pm
Fans will no longer be allowed to bring refillable plastic bottles into World Cup stadiums after FIFA made a last-minute change to its policy for attending matches.
The late move has been criticised amid concerns over supporter welfare in the North American summer heat, with the Free Lions England fans' embassy stating: "What next? Sun cream banned and fans forced to buy it in stadiums?"
FIFA said the decision was made to "prevent risk and injury to players and attendees".
The code of conduct for ticketholders had previously permitted an empty, transparent, reusable bottle of up to one litre capacity, but an update on Tuesday confirmed reusable bottles were no longer permitted.
A FIFA spokesperson 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.
"Outside bottles are already prohibited at several of these venues for safety considerations and FIFA is applying this consideration across its tournament stadiums.
"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.
"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 late move has been criticised amid concerns over supporter welfare in the North American summer heat, with the Free Lions England fans' embassy stating: "What next? Sun cream banned and fans forced to buy it in stadiums?"
FIFA said the decision was made to "prevent risk and injury to players and attendees".
The code of conduct for ticketholders had previously permitted an empty, transparent, reusable bottle of up to one litre capacity, but an update on Tuesday confirmed reusable bottles were no longer permitted.
A FIFA spokesperson 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.
"Outside bottles are already prohibited at several of these venues for safety considerations and FIFA is applying this consideration across its tournament stadiums.
"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.
"Inside the stadium footprint, pricing for water bottles for the FIFA World Cup 2026 will remain consistent with other events held at each stadium."
Re: Fans banned from taking water bottles to World Cup match
Thu Jun 04, 2026 3:45 pm
So what are they selling the water in inside the stadium? Can't be bottles as by design all bottles are reusable.
Just another money grab by FIFA.
Just another money grab by FIFA.
Re: Fans banned from taking water bottles to World Cup match
Thu Jun 04, 2026 6:26 pm
Welshman in CA wrote:So what are they selling the water in inside the stadium? Can't be bottles as by design all bottles are reusable.
Just another money grab by FIFA.
Apparently be around $4 a bottle but suppose to have drinking stations..... but that's a lot of good in stadium holds 60k+ fans collapsing before getting to station.... bit it is just another money grab as suspect they're on 30% of takings just like tickets...
Re: Fans banned from taking water bottles to World Cup match
Thu Jun 04, 2026 11:07 pm
Shocking 
Re: Fans banned from taking water bottles to World Cup match
Fri Jun 05, 2026 8:19 am
TopCat CCFC wrote:Shocking
Sadly it’s not shocking or surprising, FIFA are corrupt and sleazy to the core.
Re: Fans banned from taking water bottles to World Cup match
Sat Jun 06, 2026 1:40 pm
I'm starting to hate this world cup before it's even started