Fans Blast FIFA for Last-Minute Ban on Water Bottles at 2026 World Cup
Representational Image. Collected.
In a sudden policy shift for the 2026 World Cup, FIFA has banned fans from bringing refillable plastic water bottles into stadiums for this summer's tournament, citing safety concerns—a decision that has sparked immediate outrage.
"FIFA is committed to protecting the health and safety of all players, referees, fans, volunteers, and staff," the governing body told Reuters in a statement. "FIFA made the decision to prohibit bottles to prevent risk and injury to players and attendees."
Weather remains a major concern for the tournament, as only five of the 16 host stadiums have roofs. During last summer's Club World Cup in the United States, players, coaches, and fans complained bitterly about the extreme heat. At least one team even chose to keep substitutes in the locker room instead of sitting on the bench during matches.
World Cup matches will include mandatory three-minute cooling breaks around the 22nd minute of each half.
The Free Lions supporters' group—which provides resources for traveling England fans—pointed out the irony of allowing on-field water breaks while banning bottles for spectators.
"Given all the effort they're putting into 'drinks breaks' for the players, this is such a strange, last-minute change," the group posted on social media. "In all our discussions, free water availability in stadiums was a key point. We were assured by FIFA that this would be the case, and that fans would be able to bring their own water bottles. Naturally, supporters immediately suspect this is just the latest money grab."
FIFA responded that outside bottles were already banned at several venues, and that the organization is simply "applying this consideration across its tournament stadiums."
Source: USA Today
