Fifa Eases Water Bottle Ban for 2026 World Cup

Fifa has retreated from its widely criticised water bottle ban for the 2026 World Cup, easing restrictions after a backlash from supporters.

The governing body had sparked anger with a late policy change that outlawed all bottles – along with cups, jars and cans – on safety grounds. The move was seen as heavy-handed and out of step with the demands of fans who face long days around matches, often in hot conditions.

Under the revised rules, spectators will now be allowed to take one disposable water bottle into stadiums.

World Cup 2026 chief operating officer Heimo Schirgi set out the new line with a simple clarification: fans may carry “one 20 ounce (560ml) soft, plastic disposable factory-sealed water bottle into the stadium”.

That is the key concession. The clampdown remains on anything sturdier.

Fifa has confirmed that hard-sided, resealable containers are still prohibited, with organisers insisting they pose a safety and security risk if thrown or misused in the stands. Those bottles stay on the banned list.

So the message to supporters heading to 2026 is clear: bring a sealed plastic water bottle, not a reusable flask.