- Joined
- May 8, 2002
- Posts
- 1,136,812
- Reaction score
- 59
You must be registered for see images attach
The stifling North American heat is expected to cause major issues this summer, as it did during the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup -Credit:Jose Breton/Pics Action/NurPhoto via Getty Images
FIFA has made a stunning reversal on its official stadium code of conduct, prohibiting fans from bringing water bottles into World Cup venues.
With soccer fever set to grip North America this month as the 2026 World Cup kicks off in less than two weeks, the buildup to the tournament has been overshadowed by controversy surrounding FIFA's ticket pricing. Nations heading to the World Cup across the United States, Mexico, and Canada are also grappling with visa complications, with South Africa becoming the latest country to see its pre-tournament preparations thrown into chaos.
South Africa is scheduled to face Mexico in the tournament's opening fixture at Mexico City Stadium (Estadio Azteca) on June 11. However, fans attending the game in Mexico will now be forced to endure the heat without the ability to bring water into the venue, following FIFA's dramatic policy reversal.
- Mikel Arteta provides injury update on Jurrien Timber for Champions League Final
- Ex-Premier League champion Raheem Sterling arrested on suspicion of DUI following crash
You must be registered for see images attach
The potential dangers attributed to extreme temperatures have been a major talking point ahead of the World Cup -Credit:Richard Pelham/Getty Images
The Athletic reports that FIFA has amended its official stadium code of conduct, with soccer's global governing body confirming that fans will no longer be permitted to bring water bottles into World Cup stadiums.
Just three weeks ago, a clause in FIFA's official stadium code of conduct stated, "For the avoidance of doubt, empty, transparent, reusable plastic bottles, up to (1 liter in) capacity, may be brought into the Stadium."
That clause has since been revised, with emails sent to World Cup ticket holders confirming that "reusable water bottles are no longer permitted at the FIFA World Cup 2026 stadiums."
The code of conduct now states, "For the avoidance of doubt, reusable water bottles may not be brought into the stadium." Last summer, stadiums charged between $4 and $6 for bottled water during the FIFA Club World Cup, which was held in America.
To listen to the latest episode of 'All Out Soccer' - CLICK HERE
The sweltering conditions across North America are anticipated to be a significant concern throughout this summer's tournament, just as they proved to be during last year's Club World Cup, as per The Mirror US.
The ruling comes shortly after FIFA was warned yet again about the "extreme heat" those involved in the tournament are set to be exposed to, with Dr. Donal Mullan, a climate scientist at Queen's University, saying, "There is a very real risk that both players and fans will be exposed to extreme heat during the FIFA World Cup 2026. Moving games to evenings isn't going to be enough to tackle the problem."
Dr. Mullan explained that according to his research, almost 90 percent of World Cup venues could face possibly hazardous heat conditions.
He added, "I would urge football fans to prepare in advance for perilous conditions to protect their safety. Staying well hydrated is vital. Since March, we have seen record-breaking temperatures across parts of the US. Global warming is a real challenge.
"As a society, we now feel the impact of this in so many areas of our lives. For sport, it's fast becoming a public health issue."
Continue reading...
