Manny Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather have been linked to a second fight since February but it seems as though a formal announcement is around the corner, with a new date and venue appearing to be set. 

Four months ago, the world of boxing were left shocked as the professional comeback for Mayweather was unveiled, ending a nine-year hiatus to revisit his rivalry with the Filipino legend, 11 years on from their initial meeting.

However, in the time that has passed, fans have become unsure as to whether the event will go ahead and, if it does, if it will instead be an exhibition bout rather than a fully sanctioned professional contest, with a delayed announcement from ‘TBE’ heightening those concerns.

Now, as expected, it seems as though the initial date and venue of Saturday, September 19, at The Sphere in Las Vegas, has been dismissed. Instead, on the Nevada State Athletic Commission’s calendar, Manny Pacquiao Promotions are confirmed for an event at the T-Mobile Arena six days later, with Friday, September 25, becoming the new expected date for the rematch.

Yet, it is unlikely that the event will be unveiled before Mayweather’s exhibition at the end of the month, where the undefeated Michigander travels to Athens to take on Greek kickboxing star, Mike Zambidis, at the OAKA Olympic Complex on Saturday, June 27.

Once the Zambidis is over, the second instalment of the Mayweather-Pacquiao rivalry will presumably be announced, with fans hopeful that the fabled 50-0 record of one of boxing’s modern greats will be on the line.

While the allure of World Cup matches often comes with a hefty price tag, a more accessible avenue for fans to immerse themselves in the global spectacle is emerging through a network of fan festivals. These vibrant hubs promise more than just soccer, featuring everything from floating pitches to live music acts like Motley Crue.

As is customary for the tournament, all 16 host cities across Canada, Mexico, and the United States are set to establish dedicated fan zones. FIFA’s host city organizing committees have sanctioned approximately 78 such fan fests, complemented by events hosted by some 20 Major League Soccer teams, with others partnering directly with city-run festivals. These designated public spaces, often found in parks and squares, offer fans a communal viewing experience alongside food, beverages, entertainment, official merchandise, and a platform for cities to showcase their local culture.

However, this expanded World Cup, featuring 48 teams and a longer schedule, presents unique challenges. Host cities are already grappling with significant economic pressures, including inflation and rising gas prices. Although federal funding has been allocated to support the event, these funds have not fully covered all associated costs. Consequently, some festivals are reducing their operational days, while others are introducing charges for tickets, guaranteed admission, seating, or elevated experiences, such as private cabanas in the intense Houston heat.

Mamdani, Hochul join in

New York Governor Kathy Hochul and Mayor Zohran Mamdani have announced free fan festivals across the city’s five boroughs and at Sports Illustrated Stadium in Harrison, New Jersey, aiming to ensure residents “don’t feel overlooked.”

MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, will host eight World Cup matches, including the final, and will be dubbed New York New Jersey Stadium for the tournament.

Mayor Mamdani stated, “Every fan should be able to watch the greatest tournament on earth without dipping into their savings.”

Eschewing fees in Toronto

Toronto has reversed its controversial plan to charge \$10 for entry to its World Cup fan fest, following significant public outcry. The city initially cited cost concerns for the Fort York and Bentway events.

Now, 16,000 daily tickets will be free, though nearly 4,000 premium tickets will also be sold. Organizers stated the charge was necessary to prevent overcrowding and budget overruns.

Toronto city councilor Josh Matlow, criticizing the initial proposal, said on social media: “Toronto residents already paid \$180 million to host the games, and tickets to the stadium are cost prohibitive for most people. At the very least, an event that was promised to residents, no matter their means, so that everyone can be part of the World Cup, will be free and accessible to all.”

Big city sprawl fests

World Cup host cities are embracing a decentralized approach to fan celebrations, opting for multiple events rather than a single large gathering to accommodate their vast populations.

In Los Angeles, the World Cup will kick off with a major fan festival at the L.A. Coliseum from June 11-14, with tickets priced at \$10. Beyond this central event, the region will host ten additional free fan fests, stretching from Burbank to Venice Beach on various dates throughout the tournament.

The San Francisco Bay Area has adopted a more community-focused strategy, collaborating with diverse groups, including the NBA’s Golden State Warriors, for watch parties. The largest gathering is slated for San Pedro Market Square in downtown San Jose, a joint effort between the San Jose Earthquakes and the Bay Area Host Committee.

Meanwhile, Mexico City will feature an official fan fest in the iconic Zocalo public square. Mayor Clara Brugada has also unveiled plans for 18 other free community events, ensuring locals across the city can partake in the match-day excitement.

Major League Soccer capitalizes on the moment

Major League Soccer is anticipating a significant surge in fan engagement, hoping the upcoming World Cup will provide a substantial boost, echoing the league’s very creation after the United States last hosted the tournament in 1994. Teams across the league are now orchestrating “Soccer Celebration” festivals to attract new supporters.

The MLS boasts a record 44 players representing various national teams in the global competition. Camilo Durana, the league’s chief business officer, highlighted the potential impact. “Historically, after every men’s World Cup that the U.S. men’s national team has participated in, we’ve seen about a 10% to 20% growth in interest in MLS,” he stated. Durana believes this World Cup, “in its expanded form, played on home soil with MLS playing such an important role from a hosting perspective, we think it can have an even greater impact, and that’s the opportunity for us.”

In a creative move, Seattle’s Sounders, alongside the National Women’s Soccer League’s Reign and their partners, have announced a distinctive floating fan zone and soccer pitch. This innovative barge, situated off Waterfront Park’s Pier 62 on Elliot Bay, draws inspiration from the city’s maritime history.

Concerts galore

Many fan fest concerts are free, but most are first-come, first-served, and require advanced registration. There are options for paid premium seating.

The lineups run the gamut of musical styles and tastes.

In Vancouver, British Columbia, Flo Rida, Ziggy Marley and Motley Crue are among those performing at the city’s fan zone in PNE Grounds at Hastings Park.

Kansas City’s fan fest will have performances by the Chainsmokers, Sheryl Crow, the All-American Rejects and others at the National WWI Museum and Memorial.

Imagine Dragons and Enrique Iglesias are among the acts at Parque Fundidora in Monterrey, Mexico.

Tension between the United States and Iran is continuing in sport. Iran’s World Cup squad landed in Mexico on June 7 under the shadow of a bitter diplomatic dispute. With some members of the entourage still lacking U.S. visas. The dispute comes just days before the kickoff of the 2026 World Cup on June 11, which is being jointly hosted by the United States, Mexico and Canada.

India’s Aditi Ashok competes in the Women’s Individual Golf Round 4 at the 19th Asian Games, in Hangzhou, China. (PTI File Photo)

NEW DELHI: Indian golf’s push into emerging sporting centres gathers momentum this week as the Professional Golf Tour of India (PGTI) brings its NexGen circuit to Lucknow with the launch of the inaugural DP World PGTI NexGen Vijay Kumar Memorial, a tournament dedicated to one of the game’s most respected figures.The event, scheduled from June 9 to 11 at Lucknow Golf Club, marks the fifth stop of the 2026 NexGen season and carries added significance as a tribute to legendary Lucknow golfer Vijay Kumar, who passed away unexpectedly on April 28 at the age of 57.Held at Vijay Kumar’s home course, the tournament blends remembrance with opportunity, celebrating a player whose influence extended far beyond his achievements on the fairways. The PGTI said the event aims to “inspire young golfers through the values that defined Kumar’s career, excellence, humility and sportsmanship”.The memorial tournament also underlines PGTI’s broader vision of expanding professional golf beyond its traditional strongholds and creating competitive opportunities for players in India’s growing golf markets.Lucknow and Varanasi have emerged as key destinations in that strategy. Through the NexGen Tour, PGTI has sought to build a structured pathway for aspiring professionals and elite amateurs looking to make the transition to the national circuit. Over the years, the developmental tour has become an important breeding ground for talent, offering ranking points, competitive exposure and a stepping stone to the main tour.CEO Amandeep Johl told TOI, “Taking tournaments to newer regions is essential for the game’s long-term growth. The return of professional golf to Lucknow has already generated considerable enthusiasm among local players and golf enthusiasts, strengthening the city’s credentials as an emerging hub for the sport.The Vijay Kumar Memorial is expected to add further emotional and sporting value to the calendar. Beyond honouring a golfing icon, it offers young players an opportunity to compete on a stage associated with one of Indian golf’s most admired ambassadors.With strong fields, increasing local engagement and a growing footprint across the country, the NexGen circuit is evolving into more than just a developmental tour. If PGTI’s vision continues to gather pace, cities such as Lucknow and Varanasi could play a major role in shaping the country’s next generation of champions.

While Hull embraces all-out aggression, Korda – who is firmly on track for golfing greatness – took a more pragmatic approach to winning her fourth major title.

She leant heavily on caddie Jason McDede to ensure she landed the title she most coveted. “When I entered the back nine all Jay and I were talking about was one shot at a time,” the champion said.

“Not getting too ahead of myself. Not looking at the leaderboard, seeing what other people were doing. It was just a shot at a time.”

Korda, who won the Chevron Championship at a canter in April, now has four wins and three runner-up finishes in what is proving an extraordinary 2026 season.

No-one in the women’s game currently knows better how to get over the finishing line.

“Major championships are about grinding it out and also having that little window where you can be aggressive,” she said.

“I just did a really good job of staying patient and making those up and downs and then knowing that when I had that little window I was going to be aggressive.”

Like Hull, Korda had to overcome a frustrating start. Her sister Jessica advised a subtle but discomfiting grip change after a two-over-par opening 73 in which she repeatedly lost drives to the right.

Putting has often been her weak link, but she gained more than three shots on the greens compared with the rest of the field and topped the statistical charts for scrambling.

“Even mid-round I was like, well, will I ever win it?” Korda said. “You always have those doubts, you’re just a human being.”

This was a classic US Open that tested every aspect of the game, technically and mentally. It was hard to run balls on to the greens because of the sticky approaches, but the sloping putting surfaces were often too firm to hold.

Korda’s extra height to her approach shots provided a key benefit but her composure to repeatedly get up and down proved the difference.

While Hull’s aggression brings the best out of the Briton, she would do well to embrace some of those more measured qualities of last week’s winner in future major attempts.

Korda, meanwhile, can enjoy the biggest win of her stellar career to date. “I don’t know if a weight has been lifted off my shoulders,” she said.

“But I think I’m just extremely proud of my fight this week and the dream of that little girl that you kind of get to check that off your bucket list.”

It would be a shame if we do not soon hear Hull saying something similar.

While this is a relatively quiet period on the NFL calendar, it’s an important moment for franchises as these offseason workouts become the foundation for what they hope will be a productive regular season. It’s also the first glimpse of breakout candidates and veterans looking to remind fans of their star power. With that in mind, we highlight one player from each AFC team who could blossom into a key figure for their team. That could range from a rookie, second-year player to even a long-in-the-tooth veteran.

Don’t sleep on these guys. 

AFC East

WR Kyle Williams

New England’s wide receiver room saw plenty of offseason movement. The Patriots released Stefon Diggs and signed Romeo Doubs to a four-year, $68 million contract. Then, on June 1, they pulled off the long-awaited blockbuster with the Eagles for A.J. Brown, inserting him as the true No. 1 wideout in the offense. While Brown and Doubs will garner most of the attention, don’t sleep on Kyle Williams. The 2025 third-round pick had a relatively quiet rookie season, catching just 10 balls for 209 yards and three touchdowns. He was largely used as a deep threat, but there’s certainly more for him to grow, even with the additions New England has made. It wouldn’t be surprising to see Williams push veteran Mack Hollins for snaps and targets opposite Brown. 

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EDGE T.J. Parker

Buffalo traded out of the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft, which took some of the buzz away from what they accomplished over the course of the draft. However, their first pick, second-round edge rusher T.J. Parker, shouldn’t be overlooked. Buffalo was in the bottom half of the league in total sacks in 2025, so there is a serious need to insert players who have a knack for getting after the quarterback. Sure, veteran Bradley Chubb, who signed a three-year, $52 million contract this offseason, will be the main figure tasked with adding pressure off the edge, but Parker should factor in as well. After all, Parker did have an 11-sack season at Clemson in 2024, which included 19.5 tackles for a loss and six forced fumbles. The talent is there, and if Parker taps into it early in his tenure with Buffalo, it could prove massive for the Bills‘ hopes of reaching the Super Bowl. 

WR Malik Washington

As part of their roster overhaul, Miami gutted its wide receiver room, releasing Tyreek Hill and trading Jaylen Waddle to Denver. Washington represents a notable holdover and should see a sizable uptick in targets as the Dolphins usher in Malik Willis as their new starting quarterback. Washington was third on the team in targets (65) and receptions (46), and fourth in receiving yards (317) last season. He’ll now compete with veterans Jalen Tolbert and Tutu Atwell, who Miami brought in this offseason, along with rookies Chris Bell and Caleb Douglas. It’s conceivable that Washington becomes the No. 1 target in this receiver room and puts up career numbers across the board. 

TE Mason Taylor

The Jets reshaped their offense and added two receiving threats in the first round, including Oregon tight end Kenyon Sadiq. That took some air out of the balloon of the Mason Taylor hype train leading into 2026, but the 2025 second-round pick should still be considered a main figure in this offense. With Garrett Wilson dealing with injuries throughout 2025, Taylor became one of New York’s most consistent pass-catching options. He was second on the team in receiving yards (369) and first in receptions (44). With more stable quarterback play with Geno Smith in town to replace Justin Fields, along with a healthy crop of receivers, there should be more high-value targets and opportunities that come Taylor’s way, especially if they lean heavily on 12-personnel to have him and Sadiq on the field at the same time. 

AFC North

WR Michael Pittman Jr.

Did you even remember that Michael Pittman Jr. was traded to Pittsburgh? With all the big trades that have gone down, the Steelers landing Pittman has certainly flown under the radar. The veteran pass catcher gives Pittsburgh the secondary receiver option that they’ve been starved for, even after trading for D.K. Metcalf last offseason. In 2025, Metcalf led the Steelers with 850 receiving yards, while the next most-productive wide receiver was Calvin Austin III with 372 receiving yards. Pittman now gives them a solid go-to option opposite Metcalf, hauling in 80 passes for 784 yards and seven touchdowns last season in Indianapolis. He could be a difference-maker in what is slated to be Aaron Rodgers‘ final season. 

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TE Mark Andrews

I wouldn’t necessarily blame you if you’ve written off Andrews at this point. After all, the veteran tight end turns 31 before the start of the regular season and is coming off a 2025 season where he logged a career-low 422 yards receiving, despite playing in all 17 games. But all that allows him to qualify as an under-the-radar candidate for Baltimore. Remember, the Ravens saw fellow tight end Isaiah Likely leave in free agency to sign a deal with the Giants. That leaves  36 targets from 2025 up for grabs, and the Ravens didn’t bring in much competition to take over Likely’s role. Durham Smythe was the veteran addition, and he has just 13 catches over his previous two seasons, while Baltimore spent Day 3 picks on Matt Hibner and Josh Cuevas. It’s a long way of saying that Andrews should have the eye of Lamar Jackson even more than he has over the past few seasons, setting the stage for a bounce-back campaign in 2026. 

EDGE Shemar Stewart

The Bengals made plenty of moves to try to bring their defense to a more respectable level, with the headliners being a trade for defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence and signing pass rusher Boye Mafe to a big-money deal. Those veterans will certainly help, but the X factor for this unit supporting their high-flying offense could be edge rusher Shemar Stewart. The 2025 first-round pick is sort of an afterthought when looking at this Cincinnati depth chart, especially with new pieces coming in and a forgetful rookie season (one sack over eight games played). Stewart drew praise throughout the early portions of offseason workouts from both his coaches and players, including Mafe. If he can carry that over into 2026, it changes the entire complexion of the Bengals’ pass rush and their overall ceiling. 

RB Dylan Sampson

All eyes will be on Quinshon Judkins as he represents the lead back for Cleveland’s running game, but don’t dismiss fellow 2025 draftee Dylan Sampson. He could be a 1B in this Browns backfield, particularly on passing downs after catching 33 of his 40 targets last season for 271 yards and two touchdowns. Running backs have been involved in the target share of Todd Monken’s offenses in the past, and he’ll likely utilize Sampson in this third-down/passing situation role. When Monken was the OC for Cleveland back in 2019, Kareem Hunt and Nick Chubb combined for 73 receptions, 563 receiving yards, and a touchdown on 93 targets. Judkins will certainly factor into the target share, but this is where Sampson could thrive. 

AFC South

WR Brian Thomas Jr.

After a rookie season in which he finished with 87 receptions, 1,282 yards, and 10 touchdowns, it seemed Brian Thomas Jr. was on a rocket ship to stardom. The 2025 season, however, saw the LSU product crater with his production dipping dramatically across the board (48 catches, 707 yards and two touchdowns). Now, all eyes are on Travis Hunter as he embarks on Year 2, along with Jakobi Meyers (acquired at the deadline last season) and Parker Washington in the receiver room. Sure, the sophomore slump hit Thomas hard, but let’s not write him off entirely just yet. The talent is there for him to be one of the top wideouts in the league, and he is a major bounce-back candidate that most folks are paying enough attention to. 

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WR Jayden Higgins

The Texans didn’t make any notable moves to the wide receiver room, relying on some of their young players to take a step forward in their development. Key among them is Higgins. The 2025 second-rounder put together a solid rookie season, catching 41 of his 68 targets for 525 yards and six touchdowns (tied for the team-high). The majority of Higgins’ production came in the second half of the year after posting just 14 catches over his first eight games, so he is entering 2026 after a mini-breakout in the latter half of his rookie season. 

Most of the attention in Houston has been paid to the team revamping the offensive line, adding a new back in David Montgomery, and giving Will Anderson a market-setting extension. A possible Year 2 leap for Higgins hasn’t truly been clocked quite yet. He is the clear-cut No. 2 option in the passing game behind Nico Collins and could be a key figure in C.J. Stroud reestablishing himself as one of the up-and-coming QBs in the league. 

WR Josh Downs

The Colts freed up 111 targets within their offense after trading Michael Pittman Jr. to the Pittsburgh Steelers. While Alec Pierce (84 targets last season) will add to his total after inking a four-year, $114 million extension this offseason, Josh Downs will factor into this equation as well. In fact, Downs had 88 targets last season (third most on the team), so it’s conceivable that he’s earmarked for 100 targets in 2026, setting the stage for a true breakout. Downs has been solid throughout the first three years of his career, including a 2024 season in which he logged 803 receiving yards and five touchdowns. Yet, the 24-year-old is still not recognized by the general public. That could change in 2026 with a larger role expected, along with Daniel Jones back for his second season with the organization. 

WR Elic Ayomanor

We had Ayomanor listed for Tennessee last season, and we’re running it back for 2026. The Stanford receiver showed flashes over his rookie season, recording 515 yards receiving and four touchdowns. Despite that solid first year, he hasn’t received a ton of buzz entering his sophomore season, in part because the Titans added some heavy-hitters to the receiver room. They used the No. 4 overall pick on Ohio State wideout Carnell Tate and signed veteran Wan’Dale Robinson to a four-year, $70 million deal in free agency. When you factor in Calvin Ridley, there may be too many mouths to feed for Ayomanor to truly emerge, right? Well, Ridley, who restructured his deal back in March, is entering his age-31 season, so he doesn’t necessarily align with the Titans’ current timeline. It’s not out of the question that Tennessee could look to move on from Ridley, especially if someone like Ayomanor makes waves at training camp, so there’s a world where he’s the starter opposite Tate with Robinson in the slot. 

AFC West

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RB Jonah Coleman

Denver selected Coelman with the 108th overall pick in the fourth round of the 2026 NFL Draft. While Day 3 picks typically don’t garner a ton of attention, Coleman should. The Broncos brought back J.K. Dobbins on a two-year extension, but the veteran has monumental durability concerns, including a 2025 Lisfranc injury. Meanwhile, 2025 second-round pick RJ Harvey wasn’t able to carry the full workload effectively after he went down. If Dobbins again struggles to stay on the field, there’s a path for Coleman to play significant snaps, even if it’s not paved out in front of him right now. 

TE Oronde Gadsden II

Gadsden came out of the woodwork as a fifth-round rookie. He put forward a colossal 164-yard game in Week 7, but showed plenty of flashes beyond that, finishing with 49 catches, 664 yards and three touchdowns. That should be enough to have everyone around the Chargers excited for what he’s capable of in Year 2, but some may be led off the scent a bit. The second half of Gadsden’s rookie season was quiet, logging just 12 catches over his final six games. When you pair that with the addition of veteran David Njoku, people may be teetering on calling Gadsden a one-hit wonder. However, Njoku’s deal with L.A. is only for one-year, so Gadsden should still be viewed as the long-term piece in this room. New offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel has featured tight ends in previous stops, including in Miami, where the likes of Jonnu Smith and Darren Waller put up impressive totals. Gadsden could be his next pet project. 

EDGE R Mason Thomas

The Chiefs were in the bottom half of the league on total sacks last season, tied for the fifth-fewest (35). They looked to address that with some of their initial picks at the 2026 NFL Draft, which include Oklahoma edge rusher R Mason Thomas. Naturally, corner Mansoor Delane and defensive tackle Peter Woods will garner a lot of the attention amongst Chiefs followers after they were each selected in the first round, but Thomas could make a Day 1 impact as well. After Kansas City declined to pick up his fifth-year option earlier this offseason, the Chiefs have put former first-round pick Felix Anudike-Uzomah squarely on notice. In 17 games played last season, the edge rusher posted just 2.5 sacks, so his starting job opposite George Karlaftis is hardly secure. Could Thomas swoop in and impress enough at training camp to ascend to a starting role? Could Anudike-Uzomah make it easier for him and lose the job on his own? There’s an avenue for Thomas to make waves early. 

WR Jack Bech

It’s been a transformative offseason for the Raiders. They have a new coach in Klint Kubiak, drafted Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza first overall, and spent big along the offensive line, including center Tyler Linderbaum. While the club did add Jalen Nailor, there wasn’t much else done to the receiver room, which leaves plenty of room for Jack Bech to have a full-fledged breakout. The 2025 second-round pick had a relatively subdued rookie season, catching 20 of his 29 targets for 224 yards. With better quarterback play expected with Mendoza and/or Kirk Cousins under center, along with playing in a better offense spearheaded by Kubiak, Bech has an opportunity to be the go-to receiver option for Las Vegas. Of course, we’ve seen Kubiak help turn Jaxon Smith-Njigba into an Offensive Player of the Year, so he’s had a knack for developing talented receivers. Hitting those heights is unlikely for Bech as he’ll play second fiddle to tight end Brock Bowers and maybe even running back Ashton Jeanty for target share, but the stage is set for a breakout. 

FIFA has made a late change of policy to bar World Cup fans from bringing refillable water bottles into the tournament’s 16 stadiums across North America including some with limited or no shade from the sun.

The “Stadium Code of Conduct” update was criticised on Thursday by an English fan group, which argued FIFA had given assurances on carrying empty plastic bottles to fill with freely available water at a tournament where heat and extreme weather are expected to be a factor.

“Naturally, the immediate thought from supporters is this is just the latest money grab,” the Free Lions fan group said in a statement.

Water, sodas and juices sold at World Cup stadiums are supplied exclusively by long-time FIFA sponsor Coca-Cola when the tournament starts next Thursday.

Andrew Giuliani, who is the executive director of the White House Task Force for this year’s World Cup, said conversations are ongoing with FIFA about the decision.

“Certainly, understanding that fans with bottles – if anything is frozen there, they can throw that, utilise it as a weapon,” Giuliani said to a group of reporters on Thursday at a World Cup kickoff event in Miami. “That’s something, frankly, that we are still in discussions with FIFA about. They made their announcement yesterday, so I don’t want to comment on it just yet.” 
FIFA President Gianni Infantino was also at the event in Miami beach Thursday evening but did not take questions from reporters.

Giuliani added there is a balance between preparing for hot temperatures and monitoring security risks.

“Understanding these games are going to be very hot. We want to make sure that fans have access to water, so that way they can be hydrated,” he said. We also want to make sure that everybody is safe and that people can’t bring a weapon in there. So those conversations are still ongoing,” he added. FIFA’s stadium rules had stated that fans could bring in a transparent, reusable bottle up to one liter capacity.

The latest document dated Tuesday now states “for the avoidance of doubt, reusable water bottles may not be brought into the stadium.” 
“In all of our discussions,” the England fans’ group said, “free water availability in stadiums was a key one and we were assured by FIFA that this would be the case.” 
In a statement Thursday, the world soccer body said the decision to prohibit bottles — which could be thrown — was “to prevent risk and injury to players and attendees.” 
“FIFA is committed to protecting the health and safety of all players, referees, fans, volunteers, and staff,” it said.

FIFA said some of the 16 stadiums had already prohibited fans from bringing water bottles, so the policy would apply across them all.

With temperatures at 32 Celsius and above expected in many of the US, Mexican and Canadian cities hosting the 104 games, FIFA said “heat mitigation” for fans approaching stadiums would include “misting stations, fans, hydration stations, cooling tents, and more.” 
“Inside the stadium footprint, pricing for water bottles for the FIFA World Cup 2026 will remain consistent with other events held at each stadium,” the soccer body said.

FIFA has reacted to expected heat in some outdoor stadiums by enforcing three-minute drinks breaks midway through each half at all games. Critics have said turning all games into four quarters was to create more breaks for broadcasters to sell advertising.

“For all of the effort they are going to with drinks breaks’ for the players, this is such a strange, late change,” the Free Lions fan group said of the water bottle ban.