FIFA Reverses Course, Will Allow Sealed Water Bottles Inside World Cup Stadiums

NBC News · 3d ago

Facing pushback over summer heat concerns in U.S. and Canadian host cities, FIFA has walked back its stadium ban on outside drinks just days before the 2026 World Cup kicks off. Fans will now be permitted to carry in a single factory-sealed, soft plastic water bottle of up to 20 ounces. The last-minute reversal follows research flagging dangerously high heat-stress levels expected in cities such as Houston, Dallas, Miami and Atlanta during the tournament.