FIFA has once again reversed course, withdrawing its earlier decision to prohibit fans from carrying reusable water bottles into World Cup stadiums after receiving intense backlash from supporters, advocacy organisations, and political leaders. Growing concerns about fan safety, high temperatures, and costly refreshments at match venues mounted pressure on the football governing body, eventually compelling it to change its stance.

FIFA withdraws contentious stadium restriction

According to reports from The Athletic, FIFA reinstated its previous World Cup stadium policy after facing mounting outrage over its attempt to ban spectators from bringing empty reusable bottles to stadiums. The controversy erupted when FIFA updated its stadium code of conduct shortly before the tournament, removing a clause that had earlier allowed ticket holders to carry empty, transparent, reusable plastic bottles of up to one litre. The change was communicated to fans via email on June 2.

The announcement quickly sparked backlash, with fan associations accusing FIFA of prioritising commercial profits over spectator wellbeing. The move caused particular alarm as fans prepared to attend matches under sweltering conditions across host nations — the United States, Mexico, and Canada — while being forced to purchase expensive drinks within stadium premises.

Critics call out FIFA’s misplaced priorities

The Football Supporters’ Association was among the most vocal opponents of the ban.

“Once again, this World Cup shows it’s fans last, not fans first,” a spokesperson said. “Heat and humidity pose a genuine threat to fan welfare — that should be FIFA’s top priority, not finding new ways to sell overpriced bottled water.”

The decision also drew criticism from UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who questioned the logic behind the policy.

“It’s simply wrong. And I can’t help but feel it’s motivated by profit,” Starmer told LBC. “You’re not allowed to bring your own bottle, but you can buy water once you’re inside — at inflated prices? Tickets are already outrageously expensive. This is just the wrong approach.”

Rising heat concerns force FIFA’s rethink

FIFA initially defended its stance, claiming that hydration needs would be met through cooling tents and misting areas around the stadiums. However, these assurances failed to convince supporters’ groups, many of whom viewed the last-minute rule change as unnecessary and poorly timed.

Health and safety worries became the crux of the debate. Data from World Weather Attribution indicated that 26 of the 104 matches scheduled for the tournament could take place in conditions where the Wet Bulb Global Temperature exceeds 26°C — a level that raises the risk of heat-related health issues for fans.

The Free Lions, England’s official fans’ embassy, echoed these fears, remarking: “What’s next? Banning sun cream so fans have to buy it inside? It’s hard not to see this as another money grab. With many open-air stadiums expected to be extremely hot, just let fans bring their own bottles. Hopefully, water fountains will remain free — and that fans won’t be charged while queuing for them!”

Emphasis returns to fan wellbeing and the tournament

After the reversal, spectators will once again be allowed to carry one water bottle into World Cup stadiums, a move that has reassured supporters concerned about hydration during matches in demanding weather conditions.

Confirming the decision, FIFA announced: “All fans will be permitted to bring one soft, plastic, 20-ounce (590ml), factory-sealed disposable water bottle into any FIFA World Cup 2026 match.”