The updated FIFA World Cup 2026 Stadium Code of Conduct lists bottles, cups, jars, cans and other closed or capped receptacles among prohibited objects when they may be thrown or cause injury. The same clause states that, for avoidance of doubt, reusable water bottles may not be brought into a stadium.
The rule is a governance and safety decision rather than a match rule. It applies to spectators entering World Cup venues in the United States, Canada and Mexico for a 48-team tournament scheduled from 11 June to 19 July, according to Reuters reporting carried by CNA. The same report said FIFA had previously allowed empty, transparent reusable plastic bottles before the updated code took effect.
FIFA told Reuters the change was made for safety reasons and to reduce the risk of injury from bottles thrown inside stadiums. The code also bars thermoses and flasks of any kind, hard thermal boxes, glass or breakable containers, and closed or capped receptacles that could be used as projectiles.
Table: FIFA World Cup 2026 bottle and liquid rules
| Item | Stadium-code treatment | Limit or condition |
|---|---|---|
| Reusable water bottles | Prohibited | No stadium entry |
| Thermoses and flasks | Prohibited | Any kind |
| Liquids brought from outside | Prohibited above threshold | More than 100 ml |
| Baby milk or sterilised water | Permitted | Up to 1 litre per child |
| Medical liquids | Permitted with certificate | Up to 500 ml |
| Hand sanitiser | Permitted | Up to 100 ml |
Source: FIFA World Cup 2026 Stadium Code of Conduct.
The practical issue is hydration. CNA reported FIFA as saying heat-mitigation measures can include misting stations, fans, hydration stations and cooling tents around the stadium footprint. FIFA also told Reuters that water-bottle pricing inside the stadium footprint would remain consistent with other events held at each stadium.
The code itself does not use the same operational language. It sets entry rules and exceptions. It allows baby milk and sterilised water in containers up to one litre per child, and liquids up to 500 millilitres when required for medical reasons, but only with a medical certificate in English, French or Spanish and in the presence of the person for whom the liquid is intended. Other outside liquids above 100 millilitres are prohibited unless bought inside the stadium.