World Cup spectators will no longer be allowed to enter stadiums with refillable water bottles after FIFA introduced a revised matchday security policy ahead of the tournament.
The updated rule marks a reversal of earlier guidance which had suggested that empty, transparent reusable bottles of up to one litre would be permitted inside venues. That allowance has now been removed completely.
“For the avoidance of doubt, reusable water bottles may not be brought into the stadium,” FIFA stated in its revised stadium code of conduct.
When Fifa released its code of conduct for stadiums, it had allowed spectators to carry empty, transparent and reusable water cans. However, it has now banned all water bottles alongside cups, jars and cans which were already on the prohibited list. Photocredit: Getty Images
The decision will mean fans must rely on bottled water sold inside stadiums or hydration facilities provided by organizers throughout the tournament.
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FIFA said the change was driven by safety considerations, noting that similar restrictions already exist in several host venues.
A spokesperson for the world football governing body said the move was aimed at protecting all participants and attendees during the competition.
“FIFA is committed to protecting the health and safety of all players, referees, fans, volunteers, and staff,” the statement read.
“FIFA made the decision to prohibit bottles to prevent risk and injury to players and attendees.”
To ease concerns over access to drinking water, FIFA added that hydration stations, cooling tents and misting points will be installed within stadium environments.
However, bottled water sold inside venues will be priced in line with other major sporting events hosted at each stadium.
The change comes at a time of growing concern over extreme heat conditions expected across several host cities in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
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A recent study by the World Weather Attribution group warned that a significant number of matches could take place under conditions where heat stress levels exceed recommended safety thresholds, measured using Wet Bulb Global Temperature.
FIFA has previously enforced similar restrictions, including at the Club World Cup in the United States, where fans were also prevented from bringing bottled water into stadiums during periods of high temperatures.
