FIFA u-turns on World Cup water bottle stadium policy after major fan backlash

FIFA have partially backtracked on their plans to ban water bottles at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, after widespread criticism across the world.

Earlier this week, organisers announced that fans would no longer be permitted to bring water into any of the host stadiums this summer, but in a shock twist, FIFA have now revealed that disposable 590ml bottles will be allowed.

It's the first major policy that FIFA have backtracked on in the build-up to the World Cup, despite the past year being packed with various controversies, including ticket prices and the recipient of their inaugural peace award.

FIFA succumb to widespread pressure

Up until this week, the water rule for the tournament was that all ticket holders would be permitted an empty, transparent, and reusable bottle up to one litre. That all changed on Thursday, when the tournament's code of conduct was updated to reveal that no bottles would now be allowed inside the stadiums.

At the time, the England supporters group, the Free Lions, said in a statement that the immediate thought from supporters was that the move was FIFA's ‘latest money grab'.

Meanwhile, the UK Prime Minister, Sir Keir Starmer, said:

“It’s just wrong. And I can’t help but think that it’s about making money. So you can’t bring plastic bottles in, but you can buy a bottle of water when you get in the crowd? And then it’ll be expensive. The tickets themselves cost a fortune, far too expensive in my view.”

All fans will be permitted to bring in one, soft, plastic, 20 ounces (590ml), factory sealed disposable water bottle into any FIFA World Cup 2026 match in the USA and Canada. ✅

As FIFA World Cup 2026 Chief Operating Officer, Heimo Schirgi, explains, fans will not be permitted… pic.twitter.com/ePEHq9oalJ

— FIFA (@FIFAcom) June 5, 2026

Clarifying their position on Saturday, amid concerns around the heat in the USA, Mexico and Canada, FIFA announced the latest change in their position, making fans aware that they are now allowed to bring in 590ml disposable bottles of water. Explaining why, the tournament's Chief Operating Officer, Heimo Schirgi, said:

“What is not allowed are hard-sided resealable water containers, which could pose a safety and security risk.”

FGG says: A shameful situation put right

Considering temperatures are going to be averaging more than 30 degrees in most host cities throughout the summer, the fact that FIFA took away fans' rights to bring water into each stadium was farcical. Yes, they have at least now backtracked, but their next fans-last scheme is likely just around the corner.