According to a report by Sports NDTV, FIFA has implemented a last-minute reversal of its stadium policy for the 2026 World Cup, banning fans from bringing reusable water bottles into venues across North America. The decision, communicated to ticket holders, marks a significant shift from the organization’s initial guidelines.
The updated code of conduct, issued on June 2, now explicitly prohibits reusable water bottles, a move likely to spark controversy among supporters. As reported by Sports NDTV, this comes despite FIFA’s official Stadium Code of Conduct initially including a clause that permitted “empty, transparent, reusable plastic bottles, up to (1 litre in) capacity.”
The previous stance, cited by Sports NDTV via reporting from The New York Times, stated: “For the avoidance of doubt, empty, transparent, reusable plastic bottles, up to (1 litre in) capacity, may be brought into the Stadium.” However, fans were recently notified by FIFA that “reusable water bottles are no longer permitted at FIFA World Cup 2026 stadiums.” The updated code now states, “For the avoidance of doubt, reusable water bottles may not be brought into the stadium.” Other types of bottles that could cause injury if thrown also remain prohibited.
Commercial implications and fan concerns
According to Sports NDTV, the ban means fans will no longer be able to refill empty bottles at water fountains or dispensers inside stadiums, potentially forcing them to purchase beverages within the venues. This policy change takes on added significance given FIFA’s long-standing partnership with Coca-Cola. It is widely expected that Coca-Cola’s bottled water brand, Dasani, will be available for purchase at World Cup stadiums.
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Sports NDTV reported that bottled water was sold at FIFA Club World Cup venues last summer for between $4 and $6, although prices for the 2026 World Cup have not yet been announced. The inability to bring in personal water bottles, coupled with potentially high prices for bottled water, could become a major point of contention, especially after players and supporters raised concerns about extreme heat during the Club World Cup.
An expanded tournament’s challenge
As highlighted by Sports NDTV, the 2026 World Cup is set to be an unprecedented event, featuring a record-breaking 48 teams and an expanded tournament format. Argentina will return as defending champions to a competition that promises more teams, players, and matches than any previous edition. The sheer scale of the event means that stadium policies—particularly those affecting fan comfort and access to hydration—will face increased scrutiny. The sudden reversal on reusable water bottles adds another layer of complexity to the logistical challenges of hosting the biggest World Cup in history.
Sources: sports.ndtv.com
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