Written by: Mohamed Ragab
FIFA has sparked controversy ahead of the 2026 World Cup by deciding to ban fans from bringing reusable water bottles into stadiums hosting the tournament in the United States, Canada and Mexico, despite growing warnings about the risks of high temperatures expected during the competition.
The decision comes as part of a new amendment to the “Stadium Code of Conduct,” in which FIFA cancelled a clause that previously allowed the entry of transparent, empty plastic bottles with a capacity of no more than one liter.
Under the new update, all refillable bottles are now prohibited inside stadiums.
Concerns about the impact of the heat on the fans
The decision has reignited the debate about fan safety during the tournament, especially given that many host cities are expected to experience high temperatures during the summer. Climate and sports medicine experts have warned that extreme weather conditions could increase the risk of heat stress and heatstroke among both fans and players.
Critics of the decision argue that banning personal water bottles could limit fans' ability to stay adequately hydrated during matches, as well as potentially forcing them to buy water at high prices inside stadiums.
Some also pointed out that the decision contradicts global trends that support the use of reusable products and reduce plastic waste.
FIFA: The decision is related to safety and security.
FIFA defended the decision, emphasizing that its primary objective is to protect players, referees, fans, and staff within sports facilities. The federation explained that the bottle ban aims to reduce the risk of bottles being used as objects that could be thrown onto the pitch or into the stands, noting that several host stadiums already implemented similar restrictions during major sporting events.
FIFA added that it is working with host cities and local authorities to provide heat mitigation measures, including free water stations, cooling zones, water misting systems, and tents set up to combat the hot weather around the stadiums.
A real test of preparations for the 2026 World Cup
The 2026 World Cup is set to be the largest in the tournament's history, featuring 48 teams and 104 matches played over more than a month in three host countries. As the global event draws closer, discussions are expected to continue regarding FIFA's balancing act between security requirements and fan comfort, particularly in light of the potential climatic challenges the tournament may face.
