FIFA to schedule mandatory water breaks for every game of the 2026 World Cup

The 2026 FIFA World Cup will have a uniquely American flavour with the governing body set to introduce mandatory water breaks in play during next year’s tournament.

On Monday, chief tournament officer for the 2026 World Cup, Manolo Zubiria, announced every clash will include three-minute ‘hydration breaks’ in each half.

The change will prove a hit with broadcasters, allowing for a dedicated advertising window during the world’s biggest tournament, similar to many of the US’ major sporting codes, which feature frequent stoppages in play.

While extra water breaks have been used before to combat extreme heat, every game at next year’s tournament will have the stoppage regardless of conditions.

“For every game, no matter where the games are played, no matter if there’s a roof, (or) temperature-wise, there will be a three-minute hydration break,” he said.

“Obviously, if there’s an injury at the moment of the 20th or 21st minute and it’s ongoing, this will be addressed on the spot with the referee,” he added in a meeting with broadcasters.

It will also allow more control for coaches with the two halves effectively split into four quarters, giving them more opportunities to address the whole group or make tactical changes without waiting for the half.

However, FIFA have defended the move saying it was made purely on the basis of player wellbeing.

“The use of hydration breaks is part of a focused attempt to ensure the best possible conditions for players, drawing upon the experiences of previous tournaments, including the recent FIFA Club World Cup,” FIFA said in a statement.

The Club World Cup was plagued by heatwaves and high humidity, which saw practices cut short or abandoned while other matches were delayed by extreme thunderstorms.

At that tournament, Fifa reacted by lowering the threshold for cooling or water breaks and also placing more water and towels around the edge of the field.