• FIFA bans reusable water bottles at the 2026 World Cup citing safety concerns.
• The updated code prohibits various items to prevent risk of injury.
• Concerns arise over hydration amidst expected high temperatures during matches.

FIFA has announced a ban on reusable water bottles at the upcoming 2026 World Cup, citing “safety concerns”, following a last-minute revision to its Stadium Code of Conduct. Previously, attendees were allowed to carry empty, transparent reusable plastic bottles; however, the governing body updated its policy to prohibit these items entirely to mitigate risks associated with potential throwing of such bottles, in addition to other items like jars and cans. A FIFA spokesperson elaborated, stating, “FIFA is committed to protecting the health and safety of all players, referees, fans, volunteers, and staff”, emphasizing the necessity of the ban to ensure safety for all involved, according to SCMP, Reuters, and Al Jazeera.

This change has raised significant concerns among fans regarding hydration, especially given that temperatures at some venues are projected to range from 26 to 28 degrees Celsius (79 to 82 degrees Fahrenheit). Experts warn that high temperatures could pose health risks to attendees, leading to calls for adequate access to drinking water inside the stadiums, a concern that FIFA has acknowledged but without a comprehensive solution offered in the announcement. FIFA reassured fans that various cooling measures—including misting stations, fans, hydration stations, and cooling tents—would be implemented in the vicinity of stadiums to help alleviate heat-related issues, according to SCMP, Reuters, and Al Jazeera.

The World Cup, co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, is set to kick off on June 11, 2026, and will feature a historic 48 teams playing a total of 104 matches, a significant increase from previous tournaments. As fans prepare for this expanded event, the financial implications of purchasing bottled water—alongside the inability to bring reusable containers—add another layer of concern amidst rising ticket prices and overall event costs, particularly as bottled water prices within the stadiums are expected to remain consistent with other events, according to SCMP, Reuters, and Al Jazeera.