FIFA to allow disposable water bottles at World Cup games after outcry
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The earlier prohibition of reusable bottles had raised concerns about staying hydrated, particularly at venues where temperatures are expected to exceed 25 deg C.
PHOTO: REUTERS
LOS ANGELES – FIFA said on June 5 it will allow fans to bring one “soft, plastic” disposable water bottle into World Cup venues after its ban on refillable bottles sparked an outcry.
“All fans will be permitted 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,” said World Cup chief operating officer Heimo Schirgi on FIFA’s X account.
The announcement, which FIFA called a “clarification” of its water bottle policy, came two days after it said that refillable water bottles would not be allowed.
That was a change to its official stadium code of conduct that could force thirsty supporters to pay for bottled water. FIFA justified the move on safety grounds, “to prevent risk and injury to players and attendees”.
On June 5, the governing body said that those concerns remain valid. Schirgi added that “fans will not be permitted to bring in hard-sided, reusable water bottles due to safety and security reasons”, showing examples of bottles that will and will not be allowed.
Forecasters have warned that fans could face health risks from extreme heat at open-air venues during the World Cup, which is being co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico.
A report published by the World Weather Attribution research group in May estimated that 26 of 104 games at the World Cup are likely to be played in conditions where the Wet Bulb Global Temperature exceeds 26 deg C.
At the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup in the US, where fans complained of searing temperatures, supporters were also barred from bringing water bottles into venues.
FIFA has noted that misting stations, fans, hydration stations and cooling tents would be available in “the stadium footprint”.
Bottled water inside the venue will be sold at prices which “remain consistent with other events held at each stadium”, it said.
In other news, the Iranian squad have been granted visas to enter America so they can play in the World Cup, US Ambassador to Turkey Tom Barrack confirmed on June 5. A US administration official confirmed this separately in a statement issued by the State Department.
The visa issuance means Iran will compete in the tournament even as the Middle East war pitting it against the US and Israel continues, albeit with a shaky truce in place.
But Iran slammed the US for “discriminatory treatment” by not granting visas for some members of their delegation.
“Why do you not say that visas were denied to a large portion of the managerial and executive staff, technical advisers, and others who are an integral part of any national football team?” the Iranian embassy in Turkey said in a post on X, referring to the US envoy’s announcement.
The team will be based in Mexico during the tournament in North America, but all three of their group-stage matches are due to be held in the US.
They begin their World Cup campaign against New Zealand on June 16 in Los Angeles. AFP
