FIFA allows one sealed water bottle at World Cup matches
New policy reverses earlier ban after criticism from fans and Canadian officials.
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FIFA has reversed course on a strict water bottle ban, announcing Friday that fans can bring one factory-sealed disposable water bottle to World Cup 2026 matches in Canada and the United States.
The bottle must be soft plastic and no larger than 590 millilitres (20 ounces). Hard-sided, reusable bottles remain prohibited due to safety and security reasons.
The reversal came after sharp public criticism earlier this week when FIFA announced fans could not bring fillable water bottles. Host city politicians and fans pushed back hard — city officials and Toronto's chief medical officer expressed concern that a ban during summer months could create heat-related health risks.
Heimo Schirgi, FIFA World Cup 2026 chief operating officer, said in a post on X Friday that he wanted to provide "some clarity" on the policies after the backlash. The original ban had sparked particular anger because it appeared to force fans to purchase expensive bottled water inside stadiums.
Sharon Bollenbach, Toronto's FIFA secretariat, said the city had reached out to FIFA about the ban and is now waiting to hear the final decision. The city is allowing fans to bring clear plastic water bottles to fan festival events, which will have refill stations. Water trucks and trailers will be posted around the city to help people stay hydrated during the tournament, which begins June 12.