FIFA bans reusable water bottles inside world cup stadiums, fans fume

Football fans heading to the 2026 FIFA World Cup will reportedly have to leave their reusable water bottles at home after FIFA updated its stadium code of conduct ahead of the tournament.

With just days to go before kickoff, the world football governing body has announced that spectators will not be allowed to enter stadiums with reusable water bottles, cups, jars, or cans.

The move is believed to be aimed at enhancing security and preventing objects from being thrown onto the pitch, which could disrupt matches or injure players and officials.

The decision marks a shift from earlier guidelines that had reportedly allowed fans to bring empty, clear plastic bottles for refilling inside stadiums.

Unsurprisingly, the new rules have sparked criticism online, with many supporters questioning the timing and practicality of the ban.

"Ticket prices are skyrocketing, visas are harder to get than ever, and now you can't bring your own water bottle into the stadium," one frustrated fan wrote online.

Another added, "This is going to be the worst World Cup atmosphere ever."

A third commented, "Enforced water breaks for players but no water bottles for fans. That seems backwards."

In response to growing concerns, FIFA said its top priority remains the health, safety, and well-being of everyone attending matches, including players, match officials, fans, and stadium staff.

The governing body has assured supporters that free drinking water will be widely available throughout tournament venues and that fans will have access to water stations inside and around stadiums.

FIFA also said bottled water sold inside venues will remain reasonably priced and that there are no plans to inflate costs because of the restriction.

The decision has also drawn criticism from supporters' groups.

England supporters' organization Free Lions said it had previously received assurances that fans would be able to bring their own water bottles into stadiums.

"In all of our discussions, free water availability in stadiums was a key issue and we were assured by FIFA that this would be the case and that fans would have the ability to bring their own water bottle," the group posted on X.

The organization added that many supporters fear the new policy could be viewed as another money-making opportunity at the expense of fans.

"For how hot some of the stadiums will be, many of them open-air, just let fans bring a bottle if they want to," the group stated.

FIFA says it is working closely with local authorities and event organizers to ensure fans remain hydrated throughout the tournament.

Measures expected around stadiums include misting stations, cooling fans, shaded rest areas, and free water refill points, similar to those used during previous FIFA tournaments.

The governing body maintains that while reusable bottles may be prohibited inside stadiums, supporters will still have access to safe and affordable drinking water throughout the World Cup experience.