FIFA bans reusable water bottles at World Cup, says water can be bought on site – Nationally
FIFA is banning World Cup spectators from bringing reusable water bottles into its stadiums, after initially saying it would allow them.
Three weeks ago, FIFA revised its conduct policy at North American venues, saying “empty, transparent, reusable plastic bottles of up to (a liter) can be brought into the stadium,” Reuters reported, but they backtracked on Thursday, saying they were no longer allowed and that fans would now have to buy bottled water on site.
In a statement sent to NBC News on Thursday, a FIFA spokesperson said the decision was made as a precautionary measure.
“FIFA made the decision to ban bottles to prevent danger and injury to players and attendees,” the statement said.
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“Foreign bottles have been banned in many of these areas for safety reasons, and FIFA applies this consideration to all of its tournament venues.”
There are 48 teams that will play in the World Cup starting this month in Mexico City, and the games will be held in 16 stadiums in North America, including Toronto and Vancouver.
A soccer fan walks past BMO Field, Toronto’s FIFA World Cup venue, while construction continues as the countdown to the opening game strikes in two weeks, in Toronto, Friday, May 29, 2026.
THE CANADIAN PRESS/Chris Young
Many are also located in areas prone to high temperatures and humidity, such as Guadalajara and Monterrey, Mexico, as well as Los Angeles, New York and Atlanta, which can be dangerous for both players and spectators.
Team Canada will face Bosnia and Herzegovina at Toronto Stadium (BMO Field) on June 12. The temperature during the game is predicted to be 26 C, according to the Weather Network. Vancouver has a mild climate, with average June temperatures around the 20 C mark.
In its statement, FIFA said it is working with local officials on the heat protection plan.
“FIFA is working closely with each city’s committee and local authorities on measures to reduce the heat for fans attending the stadium, which may include facilities such as standing stations, fans, water stations, cooling tents and much more around the stadium,” the statement said.
FIFA said that water prices will not be higher than what the areas normally charge.
According to its website, BMO Field, where six of Toronto’s games will be played, has water fountains on site near sections 105, 106, 111, and 114, although spectators will not be able to fill their own bottles with them. At BC Place in Vancouver, water stations are located near sections 204, 211, 218, 225, 231, 238, 245, 252, 305 and 310.
The water blockage comes amid fan complaints about the cost of attending the tournament. As of publication, tickets have not been sold.
When they went on sale in January, they ranged from US$140 to $8,680, the Associated Press reported. Since then, some have been made available for less and others for more – rising to a face value of $32,970 for the final one.
FIFA can make a lot of money from its resale market, where it takes a 30 percent commission on each sale. In April, the stadium listed four tickets to the finals for less than $2.3 million each.
— via files from Reuters and Global News by Adriana Fallico
© 2026 Global News, a division of Corus Entertainment Inc.
