FIFA are facing backlash after making a last-minute policy change ahead of the tournament on June 11, banning what some have considered an essential item.
Supporters heading to the 2026 World Cup in the US — which is co-hosting the event alongside Canada and Mexico — have been told they can’t take refillable plastic bottles into stadiums.
Earlier guidance for ticket holders allowed fans to bring an empty, transparent reusable bottle of up to one litre. However, an updated rule issued close to the tournament confirmed those bottles will no longer be permitted.
“What next? Sun cream banned and fans forced to buy it in stadiums?”, the Free Lions England fans’ embassy wrote on X.
FIFA, though, has defended the change, saying it is intended to protect ‘players, referees, fans, volunteers and staff’ at venues.
In a statement, they said: “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.”
On costs, FIFA said the price of bottled water would ‘remain consistent with other events held at each stadium’.
The Athletic previously reported that bottled water was priced between $4 and $6 (around £3 to £4.50) during last summer’s Club World Cup in the US.
Concerns are heightened by the expected weather, with some host locations projected to hit highs of 80 degrees Fahrenheit during the competition.
Some of the cities considered most vulnerable to dangerous heat — including Houston, Dallas and Atlanta — have air-conditioned stadiums, which could significantly reduce the risk for spectators inside.
FIFA has also added three-minute hydration breaks in each half for players, describing the pauses as an additional welfare measure.
Discussing the policy with the Sun, Dr Malcolm Mistry, an Assistant Professor in Climate and Health at the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, described the ban as hazardous.
He said: “The water bottles news is very alarming.
“The heat and being dehydrated can make spectators feel giddy and faint, leading to heat exhaustion.”
Dr Mistry added: “If people’s water levels are not replenished, we are looking at them going from heat exhaustion to heatstroke, which can lead to fatalities.”