FIFA mandates hydration breaks in World Cup amid heat concerns

The hydration break. The scourge of the soccer fan at the 2026 FIFA World Cup (well, the other one, aside from Alexi Lalas). Aside from who you think is going to win it all, it’s been the most hotly debated aspect of this year’s tournament. Not because they’re entirely new, per se. There were three-minute…

FIFA’s new hydration breaks midway through each half were implemented to help players stay cool in the summer heat of Mexico, Canada and the United States, which some experts have warned could be the hottest World Cup in history. But these mandatory pauses ha…

For the first time in World Cup history, FIFA is mandating all soccer players take hydration breaks to protect them from the threats of extreme heat. But the new rule has sparked criticism.

FIFA’s new hydration breaks midway through each half were implemented to help players stay cool in the summer heat of Mexico, Canada and the United States, which some experts have warned could be the hottest World Cup in history

FIFA introduced mandatory hydration breaks at the 2026 World Cup to protect player welfare, but early evidence suggests they are having a bigger impact than anyone expected. Referees now pause play around the 22nd minute of each half for a three-minute break, regardless of weather, venue or whether a stadium is air conditioned.

For the first time in World Cup history, FIFA is mandating all soccer players take hydration breaks to protect them from the threats of extreme heat. In response to concerns about extreme heat, FIFA implemented three-minute hydration breaks midway through each half regardless of temperatures. “When we look at the three minute hydration breaks, we're really looking at this as a way to mitigate anything that could potentially lead to an incident or an emergency,” said Joshua L. DeVincenzo, assistant director of applied research services at Columbia University’s National Center for Disaster Preparedness.