Water bottles will be allowed at FIFA World Cup games, organization says

PHILADELPHIA - Drink up, FIFA World Cup fans - it looks like you'll be able to bring a water bottle to games this year, after all.

Now, FIFA said in a social media post Friday, fans going to World Cup 2026 matches in the U.S. and Canada will be allowed to bring "one, soft, plastic, 20 ounce (590ml), factory sealed disposable water bottle" in with them. That marks something of a change from the organization's recently announced controversial policy prohibiting reusable plastic bottles from being brought into stadiums for games, The Athletic reported.

Heimo Schirgi, CEO of FIFA World Cup 2026, appeared in a video alongside the post, saying that he was providing "clarity on the hydration policy" at World Cup stadiums in Canada and the United States.

Philadelphia Stadium, the name FIFA is using for Lincoln Financial Field during the World Cup, is slated to host six matches starting on June 14. It was among the list of stadiums impacted by FIFA's previous water bottle prohibition decision.

FIFA, however, noted in their announcement Friday that fans still would not be able to bring with them "hard sided, reusable water bottles," because of safety and security concerns.

The organization's prior move to prohibit water bottles at World Cup stadiums came earlier this week. Previously, FIFA's stadium code of conduct allowed ticket holders to bring with them a reusable plastic bottle for refill, as long as the containers did not exceed one liter in size.

The prohibition on reusable water bottles resulted in widespread criticism this week, The Athletic reported - including from Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow, who called the move a "pure money grab." New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, meanwhile, told The Athletic that the move was "concerning" due to the heat players and spectators were likely to face.

"We are thrilled to kick off the FIFA World Cup next week, and look forward to an exciting tournament for everyone," Schirgi said.

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This story was originally published June 5, 2026 at 9:42 PM.