FIFA World Cup 2026: “Hydration Break” is now stricter – big changes to the rules of the game!
The excitement surrounding the 2026 World Cup is already at its peak. The football world has made a groundbreaking decision before the start of the mega event, which will be held in the United States, Mexico and Canada. FIFA has officially announced that mandatory hydration breaks will be implemented in every match of the upcoming World Cup. This rule change could have a significant impact on the course and tactics of football.
What is a hydration break?
Previously, hydration or cooling breaks were situation-dependent. Usually, this break was allowed in temperatures of 32 degrees Celsius or more and in open stadiums. But this concept is changing from the 2026 World Cup.
According to the new rules:
- A break will be taken after 22 minutes of each half (counting from the start of the match).
- The duration of the break will be 3 minutes.
- This applies everywhere – be it a covered stadium or a venue with state-of-the-art air conditioning facilities.
This change may be added to the match schedule. As a result, each half could be about 48 minutes excluding injury time, which could increase the total match time by 6-7 minutes.
FIFA Chief Tournament Officer Manolo Zubirana also mentioned the flexibility of this rule. According to him, if the game is stopped before the 22nd minute due to injury or any other reason, then that time can be considered a hydration break. This means that match officials will not need to make a separate decision on this.
Why this change?
The decision is based on practical experience and scientific insight. At the recent Club World Cup in the United States, players were exposed to extreme humidity and heat. At that time, it was seen that many players’ performance was seriously impaired due to physical fatigue and dehydration.
FIFA has learned from this experience and has made hydration breaks mandatory as a preparatory measure for the World Cup. The organization’s main goal is to ensure the health and safety of players and ensure that the world’s best footballers can perform at their best.
Potential impact on play and tactics
This short break can change the dynamics of the match:
- Tactical reorganisation: This will be valuable time for coaches. They will be able to quickly talk to the players and decide on the next strategy.
- Energy recovery: High heat and humidity cause rapid energy depletion. This 3-minute break will help players to regenerate physically.
- Match dynamics: According to some analysts, this regular break can disrupt the flow of the match. Others believe that it will encourage players to play faster and more exciting football because they will feel less tired.
Impact on viewers and broadcasts
This break will bring a new kind of experience for viewers. During this time, television broadcasts will show analysis, close-ups of players or important statistics. It can also be a relaxing time for spectators in the stadium. However, for those who like to watch the game non-stop, the extra 6-7 minutes of waiting may seem a bit annoying.
The new rules for the 2026 World Cup could be a milestone in football history. They show that modern football is putting the health and safety of players at the top of its priority list. When the world’s best teams perform their magic on the World Cup field, these short breaks will ensure that every moment is at its highest level, both physically and tactically. Read more