Why are there hydration breaks in every 2026 World Cup game?

Some matches at the 2026 World Cup will be played under a hot afternoon sun. Others will take place in a climate-controlled indoor stadium. All will have hydration breaks.

FIFA is implementing breaks for players to get water 22 minutes in to each 45-minute half of every World Cup match, with the referee stopping the game to allow for three-minute rehydration stoppages.

The breaks aren’t a new concept, but have previously only been used in games with excessive heat conditions.

“For every game, no matter where the games are played, no matter if there’s a roof, (or) temperature-wise, there will be a three-minute hydration break. It will be three minutes from whistle to whistle in both halves,” Manolo Zubiria, Chief Tournament Officer, USA, for the 2026 World Cup said at the tournament’s World Broadcaster Meeting.

MetLife Stadium – East Rutherford, New Jersey (hosting World Cup final)

MetLife Stadium – East Rutherford, New Jersey (hosting World Cup final)

Estadio Akron –Guadalajara, Mexico

SoFi Stadium – Inglewood, California

Hard Rock Stadium – Miami Gardens, Florida

Levi’s Stadium – Santa Clara, California

Lincoln Financial Field – Philadelphia

Gillette Stadium – Foxborough, Massachusetts

While everyone agrees player safety is important, and FIFA notes that the breaks are being done in a uniform manner, “to ensure equal conditions for all teams, in all matches,” plenty of fans have wondered if there are other motives.

With the decision being highlighted at the broadcaster meeting, many fans noted this may be a reason for broadcasters to insert more advertisements. Some managers are already planning to use the time their players have to grab a drink to give instruction — and perhaps even make substitutions.

“This is a tactical stop. Of course it is a hydration stop, but during three minutes … the game can really change, the momentum can really change,” Portugal manager Roberto Martinez said as the breaks were rolled out in March friendly matches in North America.

The change has been polarizing. Belgium coach Rudi Garcia said he liked the breaks, “because this is an opportunity for us coaches to speak with the team, to speak about strategy and plan.”

United States head coach Mauricio Pochettino took a dimmer view.

“To be honest I don’t like (them),” Pochettino said. “I don’t like it because I think you cut the rhythm of the game.

“I understand when you play in open stadiums, maybe yes, we need to care about the health of the players. But in this type of stadium when it’s 21, 22, 23 degrees (Celsius), I think it’s the perfect time and weather to play.”