Football’s governing body Fifa, has again amended its water bottle policy for the upcoming World Cup in North America, allowing fans to bring in one sealed, disposable 590ml bottle into stadiums.
Ticket holders had previously been permitted an empty, transparent and reusable bottle up to one litre but an update earlier this week confirmed reusable bottles were no longer permitted.
The move was criticised by fan groups and scientific experts, who were already concerned about the impact of extreme heat on the welfare of spectators, while Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer branded the measure “wrong” and said it was “about making money”.
Responding to the backlash, Fifa has now partially backtracked on the heavy-handed policy, with a post from the Fifa saying: “All fans will be permitted to bring in one, soft, plastic, 20-ounce (590ml), factory-sealed disposable water bottle into any Fifa World Cup 2026 match in the USA and Canada.”
World Cup 2026 chief operating officer, Heimo Schirgi, added: “What is not allowed are hard-sided resealable water containers, which could pose a safety and security risk.”
Fans attending last summer’s Club World Cup in the United States had been permitted to bring empty bottles in with them. Water was also on sale at Club World Cup stadia, at prices between £3 and £4.50.
Fifa had said on Tuesday the ban’s purpose was to “prevent risk and injury to players and attendees”, but Starmer told LBC on Friday: “It’s just wrong. And I can’t help but think that it’s about making money.
“So you can’t bring plastic bottles in, but you can buy a bottle of water when you get in the crowd? And then it’ll be expensive. The tickets themselves cost a fortune, far too expensive in my view.
“The ticket sales are too high. And this is the wrong policy.”
In May, academics at World Weather Attribution (WWA) expressed concern about the impact of extreme heat on player and fan welfare, with supporters said to be especially vulnerable.
WWA expects nine of the 104 World Cup matches to be played at a Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT) above 26 degrees.
WBGT is an index that considers how effectively the body can cool itself, not just the air temperature.
A Fifa spokesperson said: “Fifa is committed to protecting the health and safety of all players, referees, fans, volunteers and staff.
“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.”
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