FIFA mandates hydration breaks amid controversy at World Cup

At the FIFA World Cup in 2026, mandatory hydration breaks lasting three minutes are now a standard feature during all matches. These breaks were introduced in response to concerns over weather conditions, as expressed by coaches and analysts during the previous Club World Cup. Coaches such as Mauricio Pochettino and Darren Bazeley have publicly voiced their discontent with the breaks, leading to widespread debate about their impact on game strategy and flow. As the tournament progresses, hydration breaks are expected to continue eliciting mixed reactions from teams and commentators alike.

• 9:50 PMYahoo Sports — Hydration breaks at World Cup have many angry at FIFA, but this didn't come out of nowhere