FIFA Reverses Ban on Plastic Water Bottles at World Cup

FIFA has amended its water bottle policy for the World Cup in North America, allowing fans to bring in one sealed, disposable 590ml bottle into stadiums. Previously, ticket holders had been permitted to carry an empty, transparent, and reusable bottle of up to one litre. However, an update earlier this week confirmed that reusable bottles would no longer be permitted.

The initial ban faced significant backlash from fan groups and scientific experts, who expressed concerns about the implications of extreme heat on spectators' welfare. UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer criticized the measure as "wrong" and suggested it was primarily aimed at profit.

In a recent post, FIFA announced, "All fans will be permitted to bring in one, soft, plastic, 20 ounces (590ml), factory sealed disposable water bottle into any FIFA World Cup 2026 match in the USA and Canada." Heimo Schirgi, the World Cup 2026 chief operating officer, clarified that hard-sided resealable water containers would remain prohibited due to potential safety and security risks.

During the Club World Cup in the United States last summer, fans had been allowed to bring in empty bottles. Water was also available for purchase at Club World Cup stadiums, priced between £3 and £4.50. FIFA stated on Tuesday that the ban aimed to "prevent risk and injury to players and attendees," but Starmer countered this argument on the radio station LBC, stating, "It’s just wrong. And I can’t help but think that it’s about making money."

Starmer highlighted the contradiction that while fans could not bring in plastic bottles, they would have to buy water at inflated prices within the stadiums. He expressed his view that ticket prices were excessively high, making the overall policy "the wrong approach."