FIFA has reversed a controversial decision that would have prevented fans from carrying refillable water bottles into the 16 World Cup stadiums spread across North America.

The governing body backed down after facing a fierce wave of criticism from supporters, advocacy groups, and environmental campaigners who condemned the ban as both impractical and wasteful.

The reversal means fans attending the tournament will once again be permitted to bring their own refillable bottles into venues — a concession that drew immediate relief from those who had raised concerns about hydration, sustainability, and the cost of purchasing drinks inside stadiums.