CORNERFLICKFIFA has removed reusable water bottles from its list of items allowed into World Cup stadiums, weeks before the 2026 tournament begins.
Until recently, official rules let fans take in empty clear plastic bottles of up to one litre and refill them inside the venue at water fountains or refill stations. That provision has now gone, meaning supporters will have to buy drinks from shops and concession stands inside the stadium.
The decision has drawn extra attention because of the heat expected across several host cities. FIFA has a long commercial relationship with Coca-Cola, and Dasani water has been sold in stadiums at recent events. At the Club World Cup, some venues reportedly charged as much as $6 for a bottle of water.
Concerns have also been raised about the impact of extreme heat on players and supporters. Enzo Maresca has described training in red heat-warning conditions as almost impossible, while Nico Kovac said one match left him feeling as if he had come straight out of a sauna.
According to World Weather Attribution, about 26 of the 104 matches at the 2026 World Cup could be played in conditions where the heat stress index crosses the warning level.