FIFA mandates hydration breaks in World Cup amid heat concerns
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 18, 2026, 4:10 AM
Last updated Jun 18, 2026
FIFA's new rule mandating hydration breaks during the World Cup aims to protect players from extreme heat risks. For the first time, mandatory three-minute hydration breaks will occur midway through each half, regardless of temperatures. Critics argue these breaks disrupt the game flow and may not sufficiently cool players. This summer's World Cup, co-hosted by the U.S., Mexico, and Canada, is projected to be one of the hottest on record, leading to heightened safety protocols. Experts emphasize that the physical strain from heat can impair athletes significantly.
- •FIFA implements mandatory hydration breaks for the World Cup.
- •Breaks are three minutes long, regardless of game temperatures.
- •Critics say breaks disrupt game momentum and may be too short.
- •Increased heat risks may lead to more health incidents among players.
- •This summer's tournament could be the hottest in World Cup history.
- 4:10 AMYahoo Sports — FIFA hydration breaks have sparked criticism from different groups. But what do they actually do?
"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.
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