New York City Mayor Mamdani was among those to criticize FIFA’s decision to ban water bottles at World Cup stadiums.
Published June 7, 2026
FIFA has changed its stadium policy to allow fans to bring single-use water bottles into match stadiums after a ban earlier this week sparked a backlash from supporters and host city officials.
FIFA’s original policy allowed fans to carry empty, clear, reusable plastic bottles up to 1 liter (34 ounces) in size. But the governing body reversed course on Thursday, banning fans from bringing reusable water bottles into the venue due to safety concerns.
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FIFA said the move essentially means fans will have to buy water and soft drinks at kiosks inside the stadium, and the prices will be “no different from other events held at each stadium.”
In response to the backlash, FIFA issued what it called a “clarification” of its stadium policy, saying: “All fans will be permitted to bring one factory-sealed 20-ounce (590 ml) soft plastic disposable water bottle to the 2026 FIFA World Cup matches in the United States and Canada.”
“For safety reasons, fans will not be allowed to bring hard-sided reusable water bottles.”
The updated policy does not mention Mexico’s policy regarding stadiums.
New York City Mayor Zoran Mamdani was pleased with FIFA’s decision to lift the water bottle ban.
“No one should be afraid of higher prices for hydration, especially fans who often wait for hours before matches in extreme heat,” said Mamdani, a soccer fanatic who has been advocating for fair prices at the World Cup in his homeland. Last month, he handed out 1,000 $50 tickets to city residents as game tickets reached four digits.
Forecasters have warned that fans at outdoor venues could face health risks from extreme heat during the World Cup, which is co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico from June 11 to July 19.
A report released last month by the World Weather Attribution Research Group estimated that 26 of the 104 World Cup matches are likely to be played at wet bulb global temperatures (WBGT) above 26 degrees Celsius (78.8 degrees Fahrenheit).
WBGT is a measure of heat stress on the human body that combines temperature, humidity, wind, and sunlight.
At last year’s FIFA Club World Cup in the United States, fans complained of scorching temperatures and supporters were also banned from bringing water bottles into the venue.
FIFA said misting stations, fans, hydration stations and cooling tents will be available “on the grounds of the stadium.”
Fans at the 2022 Qatar World Cup were also not allowed to bring reusable water bottles into the stadium.
