Fans watching the 2026 FIFA World Cup will see matches paused several times for hydration. FIFA has confirmed that every one of the tournament’s 104 matches will include drinks breaks, regardless of the weather. The decision comes after concerns about player safety during recent tournaments played in North America. These pauses will give players time to take on fluids and recover during matches expected to be played in warm conditions across the United States, Canada and Mexico.
Why FIFA introduced mandatory drinks breaks after Enzo Fernandez raised concerns about extreme heat
The drinks breaks are being introduced after players struggled with high temperatures during last summer’s FIFA Club World Cup in the United States. Among those who spoke about the conditions was Argentina midfielder Enzo Fernandez. He described the heat as “dangerous” and said he felt “dizzy” while playing despite having extra opportunities to cool down and hydrate.
FIFA later confirmed that mandatory hydration breaks would be used throughout the 2026 World Cup. Explaining the move, the governing body said it “is part of a focused attempt to ensure the best possible conditions for players, drawing upon the experiences of previous tournaments”. The decision has not been without criticism. Some observers questioned FIFA’s plan to allow broadcasters in certain countries to show commercials during the breaks. In the United Kingdom, however, both the BBC and ITV have said they will not interrupt live match coverage with advertisements during the stoppages.
How long World Cup 2026 drinks breaks will last and what coaches can do during them
Each drinks break will last three minutes from the referee’s whistle to the restart of play. The pauses will take place around the 22nd minute of both halves, meaning fans can expect two hydration breaks during normal time in every match. Match clocks will continue running during the stoppages, so the lost time will be added on at the end of each half.
FIFA chief tournament officer Manolo Zubiria explained that if an injury is being treated around the scheduled break time, referees will deal with the situation at that moment rather than stopping play separately. Coaches will also be allowed to give instructions during the breaks. However, players must remain on the field and cannot gather in the dressing room or leave the pitch.
The hydration pauses are part of several rule changes being used at the 2026 World Cup, but their main purpose is straightforward, helping players cope with demanding conditions during the biggest tournament in football.
