FIFA to allow disposable water bottles at World Cup games after outcry

FIFA announced Friday it will allow fans to bring one soft plastic disposable water bottle (20 oz, 590ml) into World Cup 2026 venues after its ban on refillable bottles sparked an outcry. World Cup chief operating officer Heimo Schirgi clarified that hard-sided reusable bottles remain prohibited for safety reasons. The policy change comes amid heat concerns, with a report estimating that 26 of 104 matches may be played under high heat stress conditions. The World Cup is co-hosted by the US, Canada, and Mexico.