The 2026 World Cup begins next week, but tournament organizers are still deliberating logistical decisions that will affect both players and supporters attending the matches.
FIFA has confirmed that fans will be able to bring sealed water bottles into World Cup venues.
FIFA has been forced into the embarrassing situation of fans once again being allowed to bring water bottles into World Cup stadiums.
Supporters were previously told that they were allowed to bring empty clear bottles into the venue, and that visitors could refill their bottles inside the stadium.
But despite the expected sweltering temperatures, World Cup organizers changed their own rules earlier this week.
“For the avoidance of doubt, reusable water bottles are not permitted in the stadium,” the policy, which was amended earlier this week, read.
This sparked a huge backlash due to concerns for the safety of supporters, and New York City Mayor Zoran Mamdani publicly demanded answers.
In an interview with The Athletic on Friday, he said: “We were just warned that (Thursday) morning, but it’s concerning because the heat we’re talking about is not only the heat that the players are in, but also the heat that the fans who are there before the game and after the game are probably exposed to for a longer period of time.”
“We’ll be following up on that with[FIFA]to understand the rationale better. If you’re going to drink water at the stadium, no one (want) to skimp on water because of the price. We (should) make it easier.”
Now, the same publication reports that FIFA has made its own U-turn and supporters are once again allowed to bring their own bottles.
“Fans will in fact be allowed to bring in one factory-sealed 590ml soft plastic disposable water bottle,” 2026 World Cup CEO Heimo Silgi said early Saturday morning.
However, this appears to only include venues in the United States and Canada, with no confirmation if the games will be played in Mexico. The latest update suggests fans will still not be able to bring in empty bottles, but will instead be allowed full bottles up to a specified size.
FIFA initially claimed the decision was made to prevent the risk of injury to players and spectators, but that explanation was largely ignored.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer branded the call a money-making ploy and urged people to reconsider. On Friday, Mr Starmer told LBC: “That’s completely wrong. I can’t help but think it’s about making money.”
“So, you’re not allowed to bring in plastic bottles, but you can buy water bottles if you’re in a crowd? In that case, the price will be higher. The ticket itself costs a lot of money, and in my opinion it’s too expensive.”
Prime Minister Keir Starmer criticized the decision (Image: Getty Images)
He added: “Well, I would ask FIFA to take a second look at this. Think about it. Think about the fans. They are football fans from all over our country, all over the world, from all backgrounds. They already spend a lot of money to go there. They have to pay a lot of money for tickets, too much in my opinion.”
“Don’t impose more costs on them. So I would say to FIFA, please think again.”
England played warm-up games in the sweltering heat of Miami in the lead-up to the tournament, choosing to play two warm-up games against New Zealand and Costa Rica.
Three Lions manager Thomas Tuchel said the camp was helping his team fully adapt.
“It’s going to be a tough World Cup. It’s going to be a long World Cup. There’s going to be a lot of travel, there’s going to be a lot of adversity, like heat and humidity. Practice was delayed by almost an hour because of the lightning.”
“But that’s also the challenge for us and what we want to achieve. To remain calm, patient and adaptable to the situation. I think that’s what we need to do to get through the tournament.”
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