Report: FIFA Insiders Warned Against Rule on Water Bottles

FIFA's decision to bar fans from bringing water bottles into 2026 World Cup stadiums didn't just rile host cities and sports devotees—it also apparently triggered unease inside FIFA itself. Sources tell the Athletic "there has been tension for months over the policy inside FIFA," with members of the organization's own safety and security teams reportedly warning that the ban could increase heat-related risks for spectators, even as FIFA publicly frames the move as a security measure. The reversal comes after an earlier code of conduct explicitly allowed empty, transparent plastic bottles for refilling during North America's summer, seen internally as a fan-safety priority following heat concerns at last summer's Club World Cup in the US.

The AP notes that some of the 16 North American stadiums participating in the tourney have "limited or no shade from the sun." "It's a real health risk," says Ronan Evain, who leads Football Supporters Europe, per the Guardian. "In Europe we see people collapsing in the stands from heatstroke more and more often." The policy change has fueled accusations that money is the real driver, per the Athletic, with one source saying they think the 180 "was highly influenced by commercial considerations." FIFA controls most of the concession revenue at World Cup venues, and beverages from major sponsor Coca-Cola, including Dasani water, will be sold inside stadiums.

Coca-Cola says it played no part in the decision, and FIFA didn't address questions about commercial influence. Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow called the move a "pure money grab" and urged FIFA to at least provide free water if it won't budge on the bottles. With scientists projecting potentially high heat for roughly a quarter of the 104 matches, critics argue FIFA is treating water as a commodity for fans while declaring it a necessity for players. FIFA insists it plans on other ways to beat back the heat for fans, including "misting stations, fans, hydration stations, cooling tents, and more," per the AP.