Overview
- FIFA announced on Thursday that reusable water bottles will no longer be allowed inside World Cup stadiums, replacing earlier guidance that had permitted empty, transparent plastic bottles up to 1 liter.
- The governing body framed the change as a safety step that extends existing bans on cans, glass and other containers to cut the risk of items being thrown at players or spectators.
- FIFA said host-city committees will deploy heat-mitigation measures such as misting stations, cooling tents and dedicated hydration points and that in-stadium water pricing will follow normal venue rates.
- The policy includes narrow allowances for baby formula or sterilized water up to 1 liter per child and medically necessary liquids up to 500 milliliters with documentation in English, French or Spanish.
- Supporters’ groups and fans have objected to the late timing, citing worries about heat, hydration access and added costs, and stadium operators will face uneven enforcement and no-reentry rules that could force attendees to buy drinks inside venues.