Fifa has revised its water bottle policy for the upcoming World Cup in North America, now permitting fans to carry a single sealed, disposable 20-ounce (590ml) bottle into stadiums.
Previously, ticket holders were allowed to bring in an empty, clear, reusable bottle with a capacity of up to one liter. However, an announcement made earlier this week declared that reusable bottles would no longer be accepted.
This decision faced backlash from fan organizations and health experts, who expressed concerns over the potential effects of extreme heat on spectator well-being. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer labeled the policy as “wrong,” suggesting it was primarily about profit.
Policy Changes Amid Criticism
In response to the criticism, Fifa has partially amended its stringent regulations. According to a statement from the governing body, “All fans will be allowed to bring in one, soft, plastic, 20 ounces (590ml), factory-sealed disposable water bottle into any Fifa World Cup 2026 match in the USA and Canada.”
Heimo Schirgi, the Chief Operating Officer for World Cup 2026, explained that “hard-sided resealable water containers are not permitted, as they could present safety and security hazards.”
Context from Previous Events
During last summer’s Club World Cup held in the United States, attendees were allowed to bring in empty bottles. Additionally, water was available for purchase at the venues, priced between $4 and $6 (approximately £3 to £4.50).
Fifa had previously justified the ban by stating it aimed to “prevent risk and injury to players and attendees.” However, Starmer criticized the policy during a Friday interview with British radio station LBC, arguing, “It’s just wrong. I can’t help but think that it’s about making money.”
“So you can’t bring plastic bottles in but you can buy a bottle of water when you get in the crowd?” he continued. “And then it’ll be expensive. The tickets themselves cost a fortune, far too expensive in my view. So the ticket sales are too high. And this is the wrong policy.”
