Overview
- The FIFA stadium code was updated on June 2 to ban reusable water bottles, reversing an earlier allowance for empty clear plastic bottles.
- FIFA says the ban is a safety measure and that spectators will have to buy bottled water inside stadiums at venue prices, a move that has drawn fan criticism over hydration access and cost.
- Climatologists warned that about a quarter of matches could face oppressive heat, and FIFA has mandated mid-half cooling breaks, climate-controlled benches and hydration and cooling points for supporters.
- North American lightning protocols require a 30-minute suspension after a nearby strike with the clock reset on new strikes, a rule that can stretch matches into multi-hour delays and affects mostly open stadia because only five of 16 hosts have roofs.
- Organizers also formalized a redesigned 360-degree pre-match ceremony, guaranteed clubs at least $5,000 per released player per day, and confirmed that Iran’s squad has received the U.S. visas needed to participate.