World Cup 2026: FIFA bans fans from carrying water bottles into stadiums

Fans will be able to buy water at the stadium and FIFA has promised not to charge them more than normal venue prices.

The U-turn follows scientists’ warnings FIFA’s heat protection system for tournament ‘inadequate’Temperatures exceeded dangerous levels at 14 of the 16 host venues

“FIFA works closely with each host city committee and local authorities on heat mitigation factors for fans traveling to stadiums, which may include misting stations, fans, hydration stations, cooling tents and more around the stadium footprint,” FIFA said in a statement.

“Within the stadium footprint, water bottle prices for FIFA World Cup 2026 will be consistent with other events held at each stadium.”

The policy change comes amid complaints that fans are being victimized “Extortion” ticket prices And Inflated train fares.

At the last World Cup in Qatar, fans were barred from stadiums with bottles.

The Free Lions England supporters group called the move a “strange, late change”.

In a statement posted on X, it added: “In all our discussions, the availability of free water in stadiums has been a key issue and we have been assured by FIFA that this will be the case and that fans will be able to bring their own water bottles.

“Naturally, the immediate thought from fans is that this is just the latest money-grab. Given how hot the stadiums will be, with many open air, let fans bring a bottle if they want.

“We hope the water fountains in the stadiums are still free, hopefully you won’t be charged for queuing!”