Fifa has announced a last-minute directive prohibiting fans and volunteers from bringing reusable water bottles into World Cup stadiums this summer.

The 48-team tournament, hosted across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, will see several matches played in hot conditions.

According to Fifa, the decision aims to “prevent risk and injury to players and attendees,” with other items like cans and cups also added to the prohibited list.

Previously, the Fifa Stadium Code of Conduct allowed empty, transparent, reusable plastic bottles, but the rule was changed only a week before the World Cup’s opening match.

Fifa stated that “misting stations, fans, hydration stations, and cooling tents” would be set up around stadiums to help spectators remain comfortable, though drinking water will have to be purchased inside the venues.

This year’s World Cup will, for the first time, feature a mandatory three-minute hydration break for players in each half, regardless of the temperature inside the stadium.

The England supporters’ group, Free Lions, criticised the decision, calling it a “strange, late change.” The group said Fifa had previously promised that free water would be available and that fans would be permitted to bring their own bottles.

“What next? Suncream banned and fans forced to buy it in stadiums?” the group posted on X. “For all the effort being made with ‘drinks breaks’ for the players, this is such a strange, late change.”

They added, “In all of our discussions, free water availability in stadiums was highlighted as essential, and we were assured by Fifa that it would be provided, along with permission for fans to bring their own bottles. Naturally, supporters now feel this is yet another money-making move.”

In an official statement, Fifa said, “Fifa is committed to protecting the health and safety of all players, referees, fans, volunteers, and staff. The decision to prohibit bottles has been made to prevent risk and injury to players and attendees.”

“At several of these venues, outside bottles are already banned for safety reasons, and Fifa is implementing the same policy across all its tournament stadiums.”

“Fifa works closely with each Host City Committee and local authorities on heat mitigation plans for fans travelling to stadiums, which include facilities such as misting stations, fans, hydration stations, cooling tents, and other resources around the stadium premises.”

“Within the stadium premises, the pricing for water bottles during the Fifa World Cup 2026 will remain consistent with other events hosted at each venue.”