FIFA will permit disposable water bottles at World Cup matches following public outrage.

FIFA announced that it will permit supporters to bring one “soft, plastic” throwaway water bottle into World Cup sites following backlash against its prohibition of refillable bottles.All attendees will be allowed to bring one soft, plastic, 20-ounce (590ml) factory-sealed disposable water bottle into any FIFA World Cup 2026 match in the USA and Canada, stated World Cup Chief Operating Officer Heimo Schirgi in a video uploaded on FIFA’s X account.

The announcement, which FIFA termed a “clarification” of its water bottle policy, occurred two days after FIFA stated that refillable water bottles would be prohibited.

The modification to their official stadium code of conduct may compel thirsty patrons to purchase bottled water.

FIFA explained the decision on the basis of safety, “to mitigate danger and injury to players and attendees.FIFA stated to AFP that external bottles are already banned at numerous locations for safety reasons, and this policy is being implemented across all tournament stadiums.

On Friday, FIFA stated that those worries persist as legitimate.

Schirgi stated that “fans will not be allowed to bring hard-sided, reusable water bottles for safety and security reasons,” providing samples of permissible and prohibited bottles.

Forecasters have cautioned that spectators may encounter health hazards due to excessive heat at outdoor locations during the World Cup, co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

A survey released by the World Weather Attribution research group last month indicated that 26 out of 104 games at the World Cup are likely to occur in conditions where the Wet Bulb Global Temperature (WBGT) surpasses 26 degrees.

WBGT is an index that quantifies heat stress on the human body by integrating temperature, humidity, wind, and solar radiation.

During the previous year’s FIFA Club World Cup in the United States, where spectators expressed dissatisfaction due to extreme temperatures, attendees were prohibited from taking water bottles into the stadia.

FIFA has said that misting stations, fans, hydration stations, and cooling tents will be accessible within “the stadium footprint.

FIFA states that bottled water supplied within the venue will be priced consistently with that of other events at each stadium.