FIFA Bans Reusable Bottles at World Cup Venues Over Safety Fears

Supporters heading to the 2026 World Cup will no longer be permitted to carry their own reusable water bottles into stadiums, FIFA announced Thursday following an eleventh-hour revision to its Stadium Code of Conduct.

The ruling body had previously allowed empty, transparent, reusable plastic bottles inside venues, but the updated regulations—kicking in from Tuesday—now bar them entirely. The prohibition extends to other containers including bottles, cups, jars, and cans, all deemed potential projectiles that could injure players or spectators.

The governing body justified the move on protective grounds. "FIFA is committed to protecting the health and safety of all players, referees, fans, volunteers, and staff," it stated. "FIFA made the decision to prohibit bottles to prevent risk and injury to players and attendees."

Officials noted that several stadiums already enforced such restrictions independently, with FIFA now standardising the policy across all tournament grounds. Yet the decision has raised eyebrows among supporters concerned about managing the heat, particularly given that temperatures at certain venues are forecast to sit between 26 and 28 degrees Celsius.

FIFA countered such concerns by pointing to planned mitigation measures. "FIFA works closely with each Host City Committee and local authorities on heat mitigation factors for fans traveling to the stadium, which can include resources such as misting stations, fans, hydration stations, cooling tents and more around the stadium footprint," the statement read.

Regarding in-stadium refreshments, FIFA indicated that water pricing would match rates charged at other events held at the respective venues. The organisation stopped short of confirming whether this might offset the inconvenience of the ban itself.

The tournament, jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, runs from June 11 to July 19 and will feature 104 matches—up from the traditional 64—including an additional knockout round involving the expanded 48-team format.