FIFA has confirmed that hydration breaks will be introduced in all fixtures at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, marking a significant change to match protocols aimed at prioritising player welfare.
Under the new rule, each match will be paused twice — once at the 22‑minute mark of the first half and again 22 minutes into the second half.
Each break will last three minutes, from whistle to whistle, regardless of weather conditions, host country, or stadium facilities.
This means hydration pauses will be mandatory in every game, even in air‑conditioned venues or cooler climates.
The decision follows similar measures at the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, where drinks breaks were introduced after temperatures reached as high as 38°C.
FIFA described the new approach as “a streamlined and simplified version of the breaks used at some previous tournaments.”
Manolo Zubiria, Chief Tournament Officer for the USA, explained: “For every game, no matter where the games are played, no matter if there’s a roof, temperature‑wise, there will be a three‑minute hydration break in both halves.”
FIFA says the initiative ensures equal conditions for all teams and reflects growing emphasis on player health and safety.
The move comes just days after the full schedule for the 2026 World Cup was released on December 6, with nations learning their group stage opponents, venues, and kick‑off times.
