Sports
FIFA To Allow Disposable Water Bottles At World Cup Games After Outcry
FIFA said Friday it will allow fans to bring one “soft, plastic” disposable water bottle into World Cup venues after its ban on refillable bottles sparked an outcry.
“All fans will be permitted to bring in one, soft, plastic 20 ounces (590ml), factory sealed disposable water bottle into any FIFA World Cup 2026 match in the USA and Canada,” World Cup chief operating officer Heimo Schirgi, said in a video posted on FIFA’s X account.
The announcement, which FIFA called a “clarification” of its water bottle policy, came two days after FIFA said that refillable water bottles wouldn’t be allowed.
That was a change to their official stadium code of conduct that could force thirsty supporters to pay for bottled water.
FIFA justified the move on safety grounds, “to prevent risk and injury to players and attendees.
“Outside bottles are already prohibited at several of these venues for safety considerations, and FIFA is applying this consideration across its tournament stadiums,” FIFA said in a statement to AFP.
On Friday, FIFA said that those concerns remain valid.
Schirgi said that “fans will not be permitted to bring in hard-sided, reusable water bottles due to safety and security reasons,” showing examples of bottles that will and won’t be allowed.
Forecasters have warned that fans could face health risks from extreme heat at open-air venues during the World Cup, which the United States, Canada and Mexico are co-hosting.
A report published by the World Weather Attribution research group last month estimated that 26 of 104 games at the World Cup are likely to be played in conditions where the Wet Bulb Global Temperature (WBGT) exceeds 26 degrees.
WBGT is a measure of heat stress on the human body which combines temperature, humidity, wind and sunlight.
At last year’s FIFA Club World Cup in the United States, where fans complained of searing temperatures, supporters were also barred from bringing water bottles into venues.
FIFA has noted that misting stations, fans, hydration stations and cooling tents would be available in “the stadium footprint”.
Bottled water inside the venue will be sold at prices which “remain consistent with other events held at each stadium,” FIFA says.
Argentina captain, Lionel Messi, has hailed Brazil legend Ronaldo Nazario as one of the greatest players of all-time in the FIFA World Cup scoring charts after scoring a hat-trick in his side’s 3-0 win over Algeria this week.
Messi also expressed surprise that the former Inter Milan and Real Madrid striker wasn’t in first place.
The 38-year-old Inter Miami forward surpassed Ronaldo’s 15 World Cup goals before equalling Germany legend Miroslav Klose’s 16 World Cup goals, thanks to his three goals against Algeria in their World Cup opener.
“It is a great honour to be able to compete with all these greats, including Ronaldo Nazario, among the players I have watched,” Messi said (as per Albiceleste Talk).
“He was one of the greatest players of all time, and yet he is not in first place. So in the end, it’s just a statistic.”
Messi will now hope to lead Argentina to victory when they face Austria in their next game.
DR Congo midfielder, Ngal Ayel Mukau, has admitted there was no tactical plan to contain Cristiano Ronaldo in their 2026 World Cup opener. The Leopards held Portugal to a 1-1 draw on Wednesday, after Yohan Wissa’s header cancelled out Joao Neves’ goal.
Speaking to TNT Sports after the game, Mukau accepted Ronaldo is still one of the greatest players, but is not the same as before.
He said: “A special plan to contain Cristiano Ronaldo? To be honest, not really.
“We know that he isn’t the same as before. He’s a bit older now. But still, he’s one of the greatest… much respect to him.” Mukau’s comments come amid calls from fans and pundits for Ronaldo to be given limited playing time in the national team.
Ghana won a dramatic 1-0 victory over Panama in their opening World Cup Group L clash in Toronto on Wednesday.
Caleb Yirenkyi bundled in the winning goal in the fifth minute of stoppage time, sending thousands of Ghanaians in Canada’s largest city into a frenzy and settling an otherwise attritional battle.
Both sides largely struggled to generate chances in the first half after Panama striker Cecilio Waterma’s second minute attempt was steered away by outstretched Ghana goalkeeper Lawrence Ati Zigi.
The Black Stars didn’t attempt a shot on goal through the first half.
The second half played out under steady rain at the Toronto Stadium but saw more sustained attacking play.
Cristian Martinez triggered a massive roar from the loud Panamanian contingent when he lashed a shot into the side-netting in the 60th minute.
But the match looked headed for a scoreless draw until Yirenkyi put the Black Stars ahead.
Ghana’s veteran coach Carlos Queiroz turned to his side’s fans after the goal, urging them on in celebration.
Queiroz only took charge of the Black Stars a couple of months before the start of the tournament.
Wednesday’s fixture made him only the second coach to appear in five consecutive World Cups, after leading Portugal in 2010 and Iran in 2014, 2018 and 2022.
Loud boos rang out across the crowd of nearly 43,000 during a second-half hydration break under pouring rain.
Ghana triumphed despite being without Villarreal midfielder Thomas Partey, who is facing trial on rape charges in Britain. Canadian authorities denied him a World Cup visa, over the British case.
Colombia beat debutant Uzbekistan
Colombia beat World Cup debutants Uzbekistan 3-1 in their opening Group K game on Wednesday thanks to an inspired performance from Luis Diaz at the Estadio Azteca.
The Bayern Munich forward provided an assist, a goal and also hit the post as the Colombians resisted a battling performance from the Uzbeks in front of 80,824 spectators in Mexico City.
Diaz’s superb lofted pass allowed Daniel Munoz to volley in after 40 minutes, but Abbosbek Fayzullaev equalized with his nation’s maiden World Cup goal as he reacted first to head in a rebound from Eldor Shomurodov’s saved volley.
Diaz put Colombia back into the lead as he fired a shot that Uzbek goalkeeper Utkir Yusupov should have stopped.
In the dying seconds Jaminton Campaz made it three for Colombia with a fine header.
The win put Colombia top of a group that also features Portugal and the Democratic Republic of Congo, who drew 1-1 earlier.
AFP
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