FIFA has banned fans from bringing plastic water bottles into stadiums at the upcoming World Cup, which would be jointly by the USA, Mexico and Canada. The governing body revealed that decision has been taken to prevent risk and injury to players and attendees.
However, the move has been criticised by the Free Lions England fans’ embassy, amid concerns over supporter welfare in the extreme heat of the North American summer.
A FIFA spokesperson said: “FIFA is committed to protecting the health and safety of all players, referees, fans, volunteers and staff.
“FIFA made the decision to prohibit bottles to prevent risk and injury to players and attendees.
“Outside bottles are already prohibited at several of these venues for safety considerations and FIFA is applying this consideration across its tournament stadiums.
“FIFA works closely with each host city committee and local authorities on heat mitigation factors for fans travelling to the stadium, which can include resources such as misting stations, fans, hydration stations, cooling tents and more around the stadium footprint.
“Inside the stadium footprint, pricing for water bottles for the FIFA World Cup 2026 will remain consistent with other events held at each stadium.”
According to Athletic, bottled water cost between four and six US dollars (between £3 and £4.50) at last summer’s Club World Cup in the United States.
The Free Lions England fans’ group reacted to the new policy by posting on X: “What next? Sun cream banned and fans forced to buy it in stadiums?
“For all of the effort they are going to with ‘drinks breaks’ for the players, this is such a strange, late change.
“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.
“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.
“We hope the water fountains in stadiums will still be free, hopefully you aren’t charged in the queue!”
The World Cup will kick off with co-hosts Mexico taking on South Africa on 11th June at Mexico City.
