Fifa has decided to ban reusable water bottles from entering the Copa stadiums at Mundo 2026. The measure, announced just a few days before the start of the tournament, changes a previous policy that allowed empty, transparent plastic containers of up to one liter. Torcedores will now only be able to purchase water inside the arenas in Estados Unidos, Canadá and México.
The move comes amid concerns about the high temperatures expected at several venues. The tournament starts on June 11th.
Fifa changes stadium code of conduct
The entity updated the stadiums’ official code of conduct seven days before the opening of the competition. Antes, the text explicitly allowed empty, transparent and reusable plastic bottles with a capacity of up to one liter. The new version includes bottles, cups, pots and cans on the list of prohibited items.
Fifa justified the decision as a way to reduce the risk of injuries caused by thrown objects. “Fifa is committed to protecting the health and safety of all players, referees, fans, volunteers and staff,” the organization said in a statement.
Especialistas in heat criticize the ban
Profissionais from the health and climate area questioned the change. Ollie Jay, professor of heat and health at Universidade of Sydney, at Austrália, said the decision increases the risk of heat-related incidents. Ele highlighted differences between athletes and fans.
Jay noted that players are physically conditioned. Torcedores, however, include children, the elderly and people with chronic conditions or taking medications. Esses groups show greater sensitivity to heat.
Heat stress can accumulate during the journey to the stadium. Torcedores potentially arrive already dehydrated. Dentro of the arena, factors such as direct sun, humidity, crowds and limited airflow worsen the situation.
Medidas hydration and heat mitigation
Fifa guaranteed that fans will be able to buy water in the stadiums at regular prices. The entity also cited misting stations, fans, hydration points and cooling tents around the perimeters. Para the games, introduced three-minute hydration breaks at each half.
- Garrafas transparent reusable containers of up to 1 liter were allowed until the recent change
- Água purchased inside the stadium will have a price in line with that charged at local events
- Comitês locals work with authorities on external cooling actions
- Bebedouros should remain free, according to expectations from fan groups
- Medida repeats restriction applied on Copa from 2022 on Catar
Histórico and fan reactions
The ban is not unprecedented. Na Copa of the 2022 Mundo, in Catar, fans also faced similar limitations. The English group Free Lions classified the change as strange and late. Eles mentioned previous assurances from Fifa about the availability of water and the possibility of bringing your own bottles.
The group expressed concern about the expected heat, especially in outdoor stadiums. Muitos see the rule as a way to increase internal sales.
Cientistas sent a letter to Fifa in May. Eles considered the heat measures for the tournament to be inadequate. Quatorze of the 16 host cities are expected to record dangerous temperatures.
Impacto on fans and tournament context
The decision comes at a time of criticism over ticket prices and related services. Torcedores will have to purchase water on site. Fifa reinforced that the values will follow stadium standards.
Theodore Keeping of Imperial College London emphasized hydration as a basic defense against extreme heat influenced by climate change. Andrew Simms of New Weather Institute criticized Saudi Aramco’s sponsorship and security protocols.
Copa of Mundo 2026 will be the first hosted by three countries. The tournament brings together teams from all continents and is expected to attract a large audience.
Preparativos finals and next steps
Stadiums are undergoing last-minute adjustments. Autoridades sites prepare external support structures. The Fifa monitors weather conditions and plans actions if temperatures rise.
Torcedores must plan for heat. Adequate Hidratação before arriving at the stadiums gains even more importance with the new rule.