FIFA has officially confirmed that hydration breaks will be introduced in all matches at the 2026 World Cup, marking a significant shift aimed at prioritising player welfare.
Under the new directive, matches will be paused twice—once at the 22nd minute of each half—regardless of weather conditions, host nation, or whether the venue is air-conditioned. This means every fixture will now include two additional stoppages strictly dedicated to player hydration.
The decision follows similar measures implemented at this year’s Club World Cup, where the threshold for drinks breaks was lowered amid matches played in temperatures reaching up to 38°C.
In a statement on its official website, FIFA described the policy as “a streamlined and simplified version of the breaks used at some previous tournaments, including the Club World Cup.” The statement further clarified that the hydration pauses will occur in every single match to ensure “equal conditions for all teams.”
Manolo Zubiria, Chief Tournament Officer for the USA, elaborated on the initiative, noting: “For every game, no matter where the games are played, no matter if there’s a roof or the temperature, there will be a three-minute hydration break—from whistle to whistle—in both halves.”
The announcement comes just days after FIFA released the full 2026 World Cup schedule on 6 December, revealing group-stage opponents, host venues, and kick-off times for all participating nations.
