Just months before the 2026 FIFA World Cup, FIFA is facing fresh controversy. In a letter sent to ticket holders and revealed by The Athletic, the world football governing body announced that reusable water bottles will no longer be allowed inside stadiums, reversing a policy that had previously permitted them.
To justify the change, FIFA cited safety concerns. The organization said the measure is intended to prevent “any risk and injury to players and spectators,” although it did not specify the particular threats associated with reusable bottles.
The decision has raised questions as concerns over high temperatures continue to grow. Depending on the host venues, temperatures during some matches could range between 26°C and 28°C (79°F–82°F). In response, FIFA has stated that several measures will be in place to protect fans, including misting stations, fans, hydration points, and cooling areas around stadiums.
The issue is particularly sensitive because the cost of water inside sports venues has already been criticized during previous tournaments. For many observers, the ban on reusable water bottles is likely to reignite the debate over access to hydration at major sporting events.
