FIFA has performed a dramatic U-turn by announcing that fans will be permitted to bring a sealed water bottle into World Cup 2026 matches, following fury over its controversial ban.
The governing body confirmed that supporters attending games in the United States and Canada will be allowed to carry one soft, plastic, factory-sealed disposable water bottle into stadiums – a significant climbdown after days of public outrage.
FIFA World Cup 2026 Chief Operating Officer Heimo Schirgi confirmed the updated policy, though stressed that hard-sided, reusable water bottles will still be prohibited on safety and security grounds.
The reversal comes just days after FIFA
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