SUPERBALL.ID - FIFA has officially prohibited spectators from bringing refillable water bottles into stadiums during the 2026 World Cup, effectively requiring fans to purchase packaged water sold by the organisers.
This sudden regulation change, announced just days before the start of the 2026 World Cup, means that attendees will no longer be allowed to carry refillable bottles inside the venues.
Previously, the official stadium code of conduct for the 2026 World Cup tournaments included a clause allowing certain bottles to be brought in.
“To avoid confusion, empty, transparent, and reusable plastic bottles with a capacity of up to one litre may be brought into the stadium,” the earlier guideline stated.
However, on Wednesday (June 3), FIFA released an updated version of the guidelines, explicitly banning refillable water bottles from being taken into the stadiums.
“To prevent misunderstandings, reusable drinking bottles are not permitted inside the stadium,” reads the revised code of conduct.
The reason behind this last-minute change remains unclear, coming just a week before the opening match of the 2026 World Cup.
The opening match of the 2026 World Cup will see hosts Mexico face South Africa in Group A.
The match is scheduled to take place at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City on 11 June 2026 local time, or 12 June 2026 at 02.00 WIB.
FIFA has not yet responded to questions regarding the sudden change, despite experts warning about potential health risks associated with the rule.
Experts agree that the ban could lead to health issues for fans, including dehydration, due to extreme heat conditions expected at several World Cup venues.
A report released by World Weather Attribution last month predicted that 26 of the 104 matches in the upcoming World Cup are likely to be played under conditions where the Global Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT) exceeds 26 degrees Celsius.
WBGT is a measure of heat stress on the human body that combines temperature, humidity, wind speed, and solar radiation.
Similar conditions were reported during last year’s FIFA Club World Cup in the United States, where many fans complained about the intense heat. Despite those complaints, attendees were still banned from bringing refillable bottles into stadiums.
The 2026 World Cup will run from 12 June to 20 July, featuring a total of 48 national teams from around the world.
This 23rd edition marks the largest World Cup in history, the first ever to include 48 participating nations.
The World Cup atmosphere is expected to be heated both on and off the pitch, with soaring temperatures adding to the intensity of the tournament.
The opening ceremony will take place at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City, Mexico, on 11 June 2026.
The final match will be held at MetLife Stadium in New York, United States, on 20 July 2026.
Here is the schedule for the first day of the 2026 World Cup:
Friday, 12 June 2026
02.00 WIB — Mexico vs South Africa (Group A), Estadio Azteca, Mexico City
09.00 WIB — South Korea vs Czech Republic (Group A), Akron Stadium, Guadalajara
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