Sunday, June 7Sunday, June 7FIFA has performed a U-turn on stadium safety rules just one week before the 2026 World Cup kicks off, banning spectators from bringing any reusable water bottles—empty or full—into stadiums across the United States, Canada and Mexico. The decision, announced on Wednesday, overrides earlier guidance that had permitted empty, transparent plastic bottles and cites “security concerns” as the reason for the abrupt change.
The new World Cup Stadium Code of Conduct now prohibits bottles, cups, jars and cans of any kind from entering venues, a measure intended to prevent objects being thrown and to reduce injury risks to players and fans alike. FIFA had previously allowed empty reusable bottles, a policy welcomed by supporters concerned about extreme heat during matches in June and July. The governing body’s volte-face has left fans facing mandatory on-site purchases of water at inflated stadium prices, despite temperatures forecast to exceed 35°C in several host cities.
Security experts and tournament organisers had already equipped every 2026 World Cup stadium with anti-drone systems, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security confirmed on Wednesday. Yet Markwayne Mullin, the U.S. Under Secretary for Homeland Security, admitted that authorities remain “slightly behind” in fully countering drone threats, even as stadiums prepare to host up to 90,000 spectators. The admission underscores the complex security landscape facing the tournament, which begins on 11 June.
In Mexico City, tensions rose on Wednesday when protesting teachers toppled life-size statues of World Cup players in a demonstration over pay and education reforms. The incident has raised fears of further unrest ahead of the tournament’s opening match, which will be played in the Mexican capital. FIFA has not commented on the political backdrop, focusing instead on operational readiness.
Supporters’ groups have already voiced frustration at the water-bottle ban, with Finnish outlet *Helsingin Sanomat* predicting widespread anger among fans facing soaring concession prices. The prohibition applies to all stadiums, regardless of local climate, and takes effect immediately. FIFA’s communications team did not respond to requests for clarification on whether exceptions will be made for medical or infant needs.
With kick-off less than ten days away, organisers are racing to finalise security protocols, merchandise logistics and fan services under revised rules that many spectators will view as punitive rather than protective.
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faz · 3 days ago
Fifa bans fans from taking reusable water bottles into World Cup stadiums after U-turn Move prevents risk and injury to players and attendeesFans concerned about heat and access to drinking waterSpectators will not be allowed to carry reusable water bottles into World Cup venues owing to safety concerns, Fifa has said, after a last-minute change to its stadium code of conduct.The governing body had earlier permitted empty, transparent, reusable plastic bottles inside stadiums but said the updated code prohibited that. Other items such as bottles, cups, jars and cans are also banned to prevent the risk of injury if thrown. Continue reading...
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