FIFA Prohibits Water Bottles at 2026 World Cup Stadiums Amidst Heat Concerns

FIFA has reversed a recent decision, now prohibiting fans from bringing any water bottles, including empty reusable ones, into stadiums for the 2026 World Cup. This new directive applies to all three host nations: the United States, Mexico, and Canada. The change contradicts FIFA's previously communicated Code of Conduct, which had explicitly allowed empty, transparent, reusable plastic bottles with a capacity of up to 1 liter.

This about-face comes as concerns about extreme heat in North America loom large over the tournament. Ticket holders were reportedly informed of the updated policy via email, as reported by The Athletic. The new rule bans bottles of any material, even if empty, meaning fans will need to purchase water from stadium vendors to stay hydrated.

Backtracking on Policy

Just weeks prior to this announcement, FIFA's Code of Conduct stated, "To avoid any doubt, empty, transparent, reusable plastic bottles, with a capacity of up to 1 litre, may be brought into the stadium." This earlier guideline was seen as a concession to the potential for extreme temperatures during the tournament, allowing attendees to utilize water fountains within the venues.

The current decision means fans wishing to refill bottles will now have to buy water inside the stadiums. While prices for the 2026 World Cup are not yet confirmed, water bottles at the Club World Cup in the US last year, which also featured hydration breaks for players due to heat, cost between €3 and €5.

Heat Concerns Escalate

The timing of this prohibition is particularly noteworthy given the ongoing alerts about extreme heat across North America. Scientists and players have recently penned an open letter to FIFA, expressing serious concerns about the health risks posed by high temperatures during the competition. They are advocating for longer hydration breaks and clearer protocols for postponing matches under severe weather conditions.

Projections indicate that temperatures in several southern US and northern Mexican cities could range from 30°C to 35°C during the World Cup, with potential peaks reaching 40°C. The severity of the heatwave has even prompted Mexico to consider advancing school holidays by over a month, although this was later reconsidered due to public backlash.

Implications for Fans and the Tournament

The reversal of the water bottle policy is likely to draw criticism from fans, particularly in light of the acknowledged heat risks. The requirement to purchase water inside stadiums could also represent an additional financial burden for attendees. For a tournament set to be one of the largest in history, accommodating teams and fans across three countries, such operational decisions are under increased scrutiny.

The FIFA World Cup 2026 is scheduled to begin on June 11, 2026, with the final taking place on July 19, 2026. The tournament will feature an expanded format with 48 teams competing across 16 cities in North America.

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| Aspecto | Detalle |
|—|—|
| Política de FIFA | Prohibición de botellas de agua en estadios del Mundial 2026 |
| Motivo | Preocupaciones por el calor extremo |
| Cambio anterior | Permitía botellas reutilizables vacías |
| Consecuencia para aficionados | Obligados a comprar agua dentro del estadio |
| Fechas del torneo | 11 de junio – 19 de julio de 2026 |

This development matters for Football Español readers as the World Cup is a major focus for the site. Understanding stadium regulations, especially those related to fan comfort and safety in potentially extreme weather conditions, is crucial for anyone planning to follow the tournament. The decision highlights FIFA's ongoing efforts to balance logistical challenges with the well-being of participants and spectators during a global event.

Fuente: A Bola Futebol (https://www.abola.pt/noticias/mundial-2026-fifa-recua-e-proibe-adeptos-de-levar-garrafas-de-agua-para-estadios-2026060407370385334)

Datos clave