LOS ANGELES: FIFA said on Friday it will allow fans to bring a “soft plastic” single-use water bottle to World Cup venues after the ban on refillable bottles sparked an outcry.
“All fans will be allowed to bring one soft plastic 20 ounce (590 ml), factory-sealed single-use water bottle into any Fifa World Cup 2026 match in the United States and Canada,” World Cup chief Heimo Schirgi said in a video posted on Fifa’s X account.
The announcement, which Fifa called a “clarification” of its water bottle policy, came two days after Fifa said refillable water bottles would not be allowed.
It was a change to their official stadium code that could force thirsty supporters to pay for bottled water.
Fifa justified the move for safety reasons, “to prevent risk and injury to players and participants.
“External bottles are already banned at several of these venues for safety reasons and Fifa is applying this consideration across its tournament stadiums,” Fifa said in a statement to AFP.
On Friday, Fifa said those concerns remain.
Schirgi said “fans will not be allowed to bring hard, reusable water bottles due to safety and security reasons,” showing examples of bottles that will and will not be allowed.
Forecasters have warned fans could face health risks from extreme heat at outdoor venues during the World Cup, which is being hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico.
A report published by research group World Weather Attribution last month estimated that 26 out of 104 matches at the World Cup are likely to be played in conditions where the Wet Bulb Global Temperature (WBGT) exceeds 26 degrees.
WBGT is a measure of heat stress on the human body, which combines temperature, humidity, wind and sunlight.
At last year’s Fifa Club World Cup in the US, where fans complained of scorching temperatures, supporters were also barred from bringing water bottles into venues.
Fifa noted that misting stations, fans, hydration stations and cooling tents would be available in the “footprint of the stadium”.
Bottled water inside the venue will be sold at prices that “remain in line with other events held at each stadium,” Fifa said.
