What FIFA have now banned fans from taking into 2026 World Cup stadiums – it’s a new low

FIFA have sparked fresh controversy ahead of the 2026 World Cup after quietly changing stadium rules to ban supporters from bringing reusable water bottles into venues across North America.

The decision has already prompted criticism from fan groups and host cities, particularly given ongoing concerns about extreme heat during next summer's tournament.

FIFA ban fans from taking water bottles into 2026 World Cup stadiums

Just weeks ago, FIFA's official Stadium Code of Conduct explicitly allowed supporters to bring empty, transparent reusable plastic bottles of up to one litre into stadiums.

However, that guidance has now been removed.

According to emails sent to ticket holders and seen by The Athletic, FIFA has updated its rules and confirmed that reusable water bottles are no longer permitted inside any World Cup stadium this summer.

The revised code now states: “Reusable water bottles may not be brought into the stadium.”

The move means supporters will no longer be able to bring empty bottles through security and refill them at water stations inside the grounds.

FIFA says the decision has been taken for safety reasons, arguing that bottles can potentially be thrown and cause injury to players or spectators.

The governing body also pointed out that some World Cup venues already prohibit outside bottles during other events.

However, the change has raised eyebrows because many of the same stadiums allowed empty reusable bottles during last summer's Club World Cup.

The timing is also significant.

Heat has been one of the major talking points surrounding the 2026 World Cup, with scientific studies suggesting dozens of matches could be played in conditions posing elevated heat stress risks for players and supporters alike.

While FIFA says hydration stations, cooling tents, misting areas and other heat mitigation measures will be available, fans will now be required to purchase drinks inside stadiums if they want bottled water.

At last year's Club World Cup, bottled water was reportedly sold for between $4 (£3) and $6 (£4.50).

FGG says: This is a terrible look for FIFA

Of all the controversies surrounding this World Cup, this may be one of the most difficult to defend.

We're talking about a tournament being staged during the summer in places like Texas and Mexico City, where temperatures and humidity can be brutal. Supporters have been repeatedly told to stay hydrated, yet one of the easiest ways to do that has now been removed.

Yes, FIFA can point to safety concerns, but allowing empty bottles through security and requiring fans to refill them inside always felt like a sensible compromise.

Instead, many supporters will inevitably conclude that this is another way of funnelling fans towards buying expensive drinks once they're inside the stadium.

At a World Cup already facing criticism over ticket prices, accommodation costs and transport charges, this feels like another decision that puts supporters' wallets ahead of supporter welfare.

For many fans, that's a new low.

Meanwhile, for those following the tournament closely, you can also check out the best FIFA World Cup betting sites for expert previews and odds ahead of kickoff.