FIFA bans reusable bottles despite heat concerns at World Cup venues

Sprinklers water the field at Mansfield Stadium selected as the team training site during the base camp for the 2026 FIFA World Cup soccer teams in Mansfield, Texas, Wednesday, March 4, 2026. (AP Photo) FIFA has changed rules for fans attending the 2026 World Cup and will no longer allow reusable water bottles in stadiums, citing safety concerns, Reuters reported.The decision comes after FIFA previously said empty, clear, reusable plastic bottles would be allowed at venues in the United States, Canada and Mexico. But the stadium’s updated Code of Conduct, which came into force on Tuesday, now bans them.Reusable bottles, along with other items such as cups, glasses, cans and bottles, have been banned because they could pose a risk if thrown into stadiums, according to a Reuters report.“FIFA is committed to protecting the health and safety of all players, referees, fans, volunteers and staff,” Reuters quoted FIFA as saying. “FIFA has decided to ban bottles to prevent risk and injury to players and participants.”“Outdoor bottles are already banned at several of these venues for safety reasons, and FIFA is applying this ‘consideration’ to its tournament stadiums.”The move has raised concerns among supporters, especially with temperatures expected to be between 26 and 28 degrees Celsius in some locations. There have also been questions about access to drinking water in stadiums.FIFA said host cities and local authorities were working on measures to help fans cope with the conditions.“FIFA is working closely with each host city committee and local authorities on heat mitigation factors for fans traveling to the stadium, which may include resources such as misting stations, fans, hydration stations, cooling tents and others around the ‘stadium footprint,'” it said in a statement.“Inside the stadium, water bottle prices for the 2026 FIFA World Cup will be consistent with other events held at each stadium.”The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico from June 11 to July 19. This will be the first year to feature 48 teams and 104 matches, up from 64 matches in previous tournaments, with an additional knockout round included in the format.