Fifa Reverses Ban on Fans Bringing Own Water After Mamdani Joins Backlash

People attending World Cup games in the US and Canada will now be allowed to bring their own bottles of water into stadiums after New York mayor Zohran Mamdani joined fans in criticising a ban by Fifa.

The federation last week announced fans would no longer be allowed to carry reusable water bottles into games due to safety concerns, sparking anger as critics said it put fans at risk of dehydration amid forecasted high temperatures.

The move would have forced fans to pay for water, often at high prices, at stadium concessions stands.

“I’m glad that Fifa decided to reverse this policy and allow water bottles to be brought into World Cup games,” Mamdani said on X over the weekend. “No one should have to fear being priced out of being hydrated, especially fans who are often waiting for hours before a game in extreme heat.”

Speaking to the Athletic earlier in the week, Mamdani had called the policy “concerning” and said his team would “follow up” to understand the rationale. “We don’t want anyone to be skimping on water because of the cost of the water at the stadium if they otherwise would be drinking it.”

Fifa later issued what it described as a “clarification”, saying:  “All fans will be permitted to bring in one soft, plastic, 20-ounce (590ml), factory-sealed disposable water bottle into any Fifa World Cup 2026 match in the USA and Canada. Fans will not be permitted to bring in hard-sided, reusable water bottles due to safety and security reasons”.

It did not mention the water policy for games in Mexico.

Joshua Carroll is a writer and journalist.