FIFA has announced that the 2026 World Cup will feature two mandatory three-minute hydration breaks in each half, regardless of weather conditions.
The breaks will occur at the midway point of each half, with three minutes added to stoppage time at the end. The clock will continue running during the pauses.
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The decision was made during the World Cup draw in Washington, DC, where national team coaches and broadcasters convened.
FIFA’s medical team fully backed the move, prioritizing player welfare, while coaches can also use the breaks to discuss tactics with their squads.
Safety and strategy combined
The move comes after criticism during this year’s Club World Cup in the United States, where midday matches exposed players to extreme heat, reaching nearly 40°C with high humidity.
Paris Saint-Germain manager Luis Enrique and Chelsea midfielder Enzo Maresca both highlighted the difficulty of performing at a high level in such conditions, citing dizziness and slowed gameplay.
FIFA confirmed that the breaks will occur in all matches, ensuring consistent conditions for every team, reports Daily Mail.
Manolo Zubiria, FIFA’s 2026 World Cup chief tournament officer, explained that breaks will be three minutes “from whistle to whistle” in both halves, with adjustments made if injuries occur at the time of the scheduled pause.
The new regulation is intended to protect players, maintain match quality, and allow tactical adjustments, while also addressing concerns raised by players and managers about heat-related challenges during international tournaments.
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