FIFA Allows 20-Ounce Water Bottles at 2026 World Cup After Reversing Ban
Updated
Updated · BBC.com · Jun 6
FIFA Allows 20-Ounce Water Bottles at 2026 World Cup After Reversing Ban
3 articles · Updated · BBC.com · Jun 6
Summary
FIFA said spectators can bring one factory-sealed 20-ounce soft plastic water bottle into 2026 World Cup stadiums, retreating from a late ban announced a week before kickoff.
The governing body said only hard-sided resealable containers remain prohibited because they could be thrown and cause injury, while cups, jars and cans are also barred.
The reversal followed criticism from heat experts and public officials who warned the earlier policy would raise dehydration and heat-illness risks during the summer tournament in the U.S., Canada and Mexico.
Fans will still be able to buy water inside stadiums, with FIFA saying prices will not exceed normal venue rates; reusable bottles were also barred at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.