FIFA is allowing water bottles into the 2026 World Cup after all.
The organization made a statement on Friday, June 5 that each fan will be allowed to bring in one soft, plastic 20-ounce sealed disposable water bottle to the matches this summer.
Reusable, hard-sided water bottles are still prohibited, "due to safety and security reasons."
A social media post on X sharing the rules update included a video of World Cup Chief Operating Officer Heimo Schirgi explaining the difference in what is allowed and what is not.
A day prior, FIFA announced the last-minute rule that no water bottles would be allowed into the tournament, which is being held across the United States, Mexico and Canada. The decision, which the organization said was for players' and spectators' safety, was instantly met with controversy as fans prepare for hot temperatures and they decried FIFA as a money-hungry organization. Only five of the 16 host stadiums have a roof.
The venues in the United States are all NFL stadiums, which each have a clear bag policy per league rules, and each have their own rules on permitting water bottles.
The policy at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City is similar to what FIFA is ordering. "Glass, metal, plastic thermos, cups, bottles, or flasks" and "all food and beverage" are prohibited with the exception of a "20oz factory sealed bottled water."
At MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, where the World Cup final will be held in July, water bottles, both disposable and reusable, are permitted, given that the disposable ones are unsealed and the reusable ones are empty upon entry.
FIFA is attempting to help manage temperatures and protect the welfare of players by implementing a mandatory three-minute hydration break at the midway point of each half for every World Cup match. These will happen regardless of temperature or venue.
Fans and teams struggled with extreme heat at last summer's Club World Cup, which was also held in the United States. Temperatures hovered around 90 degrees Fahrenheit at some matches with some stadiums seeing temperatures as high as 100 degrees.
The 2022 World Cup was moved to November and December to better manage the heat in the host country of Qatar.
The 2026 World Cup kicks off on Thursday, June 11 when Mexico faces South Africa to open Group A play in Mexico City.
Source: USA Today
