FIFA Bans Water Bottles Amid Heat Concerns

FIFA has implemented a strict ban on refillable water bottles in stadiums for the upcoming World Cup in the United States, Mexico, and Canada. This policy change, announced just a week before the tournament begins, prohibits water bottles regardless of weather conditions, a reversal from previous assurances that allowed them during hot periods. FIFA cited health and safety concerns for players and attendees as the reason for the prohibition.

Despite the ban, FIFA had previously committed to providing "additional cooling capacity, including shaded areas, misting systems, cooling buses, and expanded water distribution" for extreme heat. It remains unclear if these measures are still in effect. Players will benefit from mandatory three-minute cooling breaks in each half, starting around the 22nd minute, to mitigate heat exhaustion. The final match is set for July 19 at 3 p.m. ET in New Jersey.