Fans affected
After criticism: FIFA backs down on World Cup ban
June 6, 2026 – 8:42 a.mReading time: 2 minutes
FIFA drew a lot of criticism with a water bottle ban in World Cup stadiums. Now the association is giving in. But there is a limitation.
Around a week before the start of the World Cup, FIFA changed its rules again and now allows fans to bring water bottles into the stadium – at least in the USA and Canada. A factory-sealed, soft disposable plastic bottle with a capacity of up to 590 milliliters is permitted per spectator, said Fifa manager Heimo Schirgi in a video published online and spoke of wanting to bring “some clarity” to the regulations. Hard plastic containers are not permitted. Schirgi is the Chief Operating Officer of FIFA.
Shortly beforehand, FIFA had justified and confirmed the ban on bringing any water bottles – including empty ones – into the stadium with safety considerations. “Fifa is committed to protecting the health and safety of all players, referees, fans, volunteers and employees. Fifa has decided to ban the bringing of bottles in order to avoid risks and injuries for players and visitors,” a spokesman for the world association told dpa.
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For this reason, FIFA changed the relevant passage in the guidelines for stadium visits and made it clear: “To avoid misunderstandings: Reusable water bottles may not be brought into the stadium.”
There was strong criticism of this from fan representatives, but also from politicians such as Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow, who described the water bottle ban and the de facto requirement to buy water in the stadium as “pure money-making.” Six World Cup games will take place in Toronto. New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani was also “concerned” about FIFA’s rule and said after the about-face, according to “The Athletic”: “I’m glad that no one has to worry about not being able to afford enough hydration, especially fans who often wait for hours in extreme heat before a game.”
Rules in Mexico unclear
It was initially unclear what the renewed turnaround meant for stadium visitors in Mexico City, Guadalajara and Monterrey. Co-host Mexico is not explicitly mentioned in the short video.
Scientists have recently repeatedly warned that fans and players are exposed to health risks due to the heat. “Fifa is working closely with the relevant hosting committees and local authorities to develop heat protection measures for fans traveling to the stadium. This may include facilities such as misting stations, fans, drinking stations, cooling tents and other measures around the stadium site,” it said in a statement.
As the AP news agency recently reported, the Los Angeles County Health Department plans to provide comprehensive information about heat protection and adequate hydration around the games. New York wants to send information to subscribers of the public warning system and to international visitors via WhatsApp. Seattle is exploring the use of air-conditioned buses and water mist systems at fan festivals and games. In Vancouver, there will be shaded seating areas at all tournament events.