FIFA has prohibited fans from bringing reusable water bottles into all World Cup 2026 stadiums, aiming to reduce safety risks associated with bottles being thrown and causing injury to players, referees, fans, and staff [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8]. The restriction includes bottles, cups, jars, and cans, all of which are now banned as part of an updated Stadium Code of Conduct issued earlier this month [2, 3, 7, 8].
Originally, FIFA allowed fans to bring empty, transparent reusable plastic bottles up to 1 litre in capacity but revised the policy on June 2 to explicitly prohibit them [1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8]. Fans may now only bring one factory-sealed disposable plastic water bottle of up to 20 ounces (590 ml) into stadiums in the United States and Canada; hard-sided and reusable bottles remain banned [4, 9].
FIFA says the ban applies for consistent safety standards across all tournament venues, although some reports note that MetLife Stadium, a host site near New York, allows reusable bottles during other events [2, 6]. A FIFA spokesperson said, "FIFA is committed to protecting the health and safety of all players, referees, fans, volunteers, and staff... we are applying this consideration across its tournament stadiums" [2]. FIFA Chief Operating Officer Heimo Schirgi added the restriction is based on "safety and security considerations, with bottles among a number of items that could pose a risk if thrown" [4].
The ban has drawn criticism from fans and experts concerned about hydration amid expected high temperatures at many venues. Some stadiums will face heat levels above 26 degrees Celsius, with 14 of the 16 host venues projected to have dangerous heat [1, 2, 3, 7, 8]. The Free Lions England fans' group voiced concerns about hydration, saying, "For how hot the stadiums will be... just let fans bring a bottle if they want to" despite assurances from FIFA about free water availability inside stadiums [3].
To address heat risks, FIFA said it will provide misting stations, hydration stations, and cooling tents, and bottled water prices inside stadiums will be consistent with other events [1, 2, 3, 4, 7, 8, 9]. Fans at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar faced similar restrictions banning water bottles amid extreme heat complaints [3, 5].
In addition to the bottle ban, FIFA has prohibited noise and light devices including vuvuzelas, whistles, air horns, and laser pointers across all venues [10, 11].
The World Cup 2026, co-hosted by the US, Canada, and Mexico, will run from June 11 to July 19 and feature 48 teams playing 104 matches [2, 10, 7, 8, 11]. The tournament opens June 11 in Mexico City, where the new stadium rules will take effect.
