2026 World Cup hydration breaks face backlash from players and coaches

At the 2026 World Cup, hydration breaks have drawn criticism for disrupting gameplay. Introduced by FIFA, these new three-minute pauses are meant to address heat concerns but have sparked complaints from players and coaches regarding their timing and necessity, especially in climate-controlled stadiums. Coaches, including Didier Deschamps and Luis de la Fuente, expressed that the breaks interrupt momentum and questioned their implementation in cooler environments. Some venues have welcomed hydration breaks, but the inconsistency in their necessity has led to confusion among teams and spectators alike. The debate continues as coaches adapt strategies around these pauses.

• 5:40 AMYahoo Sports — 2026 World Cup: ‘Unnecessary’ hydration breaks draw criticism from players, coaches and fans