FIFA Does Another U-Turn on Water Bottles

Fans headed to the 2026 World Cup will, in fact, be able to bring some water with them. After sparking backlash by saying no water bottles would be permitted inside stadiums, FIFA has reversed course and will now allow each ticket-holder to carry in one soft, plastic, 20-ounce, factory-sealed disposable bottle at matches in the US and Canada, USA Today reports. Hard-sided and reusable bottles are still out under FIFA's security rules, though the US venues are all NFL stadiums with their own policies, which may be looser or stricter at the gate.

The move comes as the tournament prepares to play through summer heat in host cities where average highs range from the mid-80s to mid-90s in places like Dallas, Houston, and Atlanta. FIFA says it will require a three-minute hydration break midway through each half for every match, regardless of conditions. Fans can top up their disposable bottles at stadium water stations, but concession-stand prices will vary by venue. The ban announced Thursday, which reportedly triggered clashes within FIFA, was condemned by an England supporters' group that said it had been assured by FIFA that fans would be able to bring water bottles into stadiums, the AP reports.