FIFA has reversed course on one of its own stated policies, announcing just seven days before the FIFA World Cup 2026 kicks off on 11 June that fans will no longer be permitted to bring reusable water bottles into stadiums.

The world governing body had previously published a code of conduct explicitly permitting empty, transparent, reusable plastic bottles of up to one litre to be carried into venues. That guidance has now been scrapped, with cups, jars, and cans also added to the prohibited items list. FIFA cited the risk of injury from fans throwing missiles as the reason for the ban.

"FIFA is committed to protecting the health and safety of all players, referees, fans, volunteers, and staff," the organisation said in an official statement.

Heat concerns and a late u-turn

The reversal arrives amid growing pressure over heat safety at the tournament. Scientists have warned that FIFA's existing measures to protect fans from extreme temperatures are "inadequate," with conditions at 14 of the 16 host venues expected to surpass dangerous thresholds.

FIFA says it is working with host city committees and local authorities on a range of heat mitigation measures around stadium footprints — including misting stations, cooling tents, and hydration points. Inside venues, the governing body has pledged to keep water pricing consistent with what each stadium typically charges at other events.

Fans hit with added costs

The policy shift has drawn sharp criticism from supporters already frustrated by what many describe as extortionate ticket prices and inflated transport costs. The announcement that fans must now purchase water inside grounds rather than bring their own has only deepened that anger.

England supporters' group Free Lions called the decision a "strange, late change" and said the matter of free water availability had been a central topic in their discussions with FIFA.

"In all of our discussions, free water availability in stadiums was a key one and we were assured by Fifa that this would be the case and that fans will have the ability to bring their own water bottle," Free Lions said in a statement posted on X.

The group also voiced the concern shared by many fans: "Naturally, the immediate thought from supporters is this is just the latest money-grab. For how hot the stadiums will be, many in open air, just let fans bring a bottle if they want to."

A similar restriction was in place at the previous World Cup in Qatar, where fans were also barred from bringing bottles into stadiums.