FIFA rules on water breaks at the 2026 World Cup draw widespread criticism
Kyiv • UNN
FIFA has introduced three-minute cooling breaks in the middle of each half at the 2026 World Cup despite criticism. Players and fans consider this a commercial move due to advertising contracts.
For the first time in the history of FIFA World Cups, FIFA has introduced mandatory three-minute cooling breaks in the middle of each half regardless of the weather. The decision was made to protect players from extreme heat in the USA, Mexico, and Canada, but this innovation has drawn criticism from fans and players because it disrupts the game's momentum, and they also believe the break is driven by advertising contracts. Al Jazeera reports, UNN reports.
Details
"Perhaps FIFA's ability to use football as a unifying factor has never been as evident as in the case of the collective dislike for its decision to introduce hydration breaks during all World Cup matches. Fans, players, coaches, and all other stakeholders have criticized, discussed, and challenged this decision, which has become the main topic of discussion during the six-week tournament, alongside a host of other socio-economic, political, and financial issues," the publication writes.
As the publication notes, after a week of the World Cup, it became clear that players are not thrilled with the water breaks.
Netherlands defender Virgil van Dijk led the attack against the "interesting" hydration breaks.
"If it's very hot, obviously it will be good to have them. But in my opinion, this should be approached on a game-by-game basis," the defender said.
Belgium midfielder Youri Tielemans also agreed with the Dutchman's statements, saying that breaks can work both ways.
"In some cities it's not that hot, and maybe we shouldn't do it. But ultimately, if you do it in some cities, you have to do it for everyone," Tielemans said.
2026 FIFA World Cup could face dangerous heat due to climate change14.05.26, 11:35 • 5123 views
"It was hot enough in New York, California, and Miami, as well as at Mexican stadiums, but there is no reason for breaks at air-conditioned arenas such as Dallas, Houston, Atlanta, or Vancouver. I know FIFA says it did this for all games to ensure consistency, but it's hard to see this as anything other than a multi-million dollar commercial venture for advertising to American television networks, if not billions, around the world," a senior meteorologist told the publication.
Much of the criticism regarding the breaks has been directed at the commercial benefit of the three-minute pause in action.
As BBC Sport reported last week, a 30-second advertising slot for the World Cup on Fox Sports costs between $200,000 and $300,000, and during US national team matches and later stages of the tournament, its cost can reach $750,000.
From a purely sporting perspective, others have argued that the breaks kill the momentum of the match.
"World Cup debutants Curaçao were in a fairy-tale state when 'Levanto Komenecio' equalized against Germany in the first group stage match at the 21st minute, but shortly after, the referee signaled for a hydration break, allowing Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann to gather his players and secure a 7-1 victory," the publication notes.
Other examples include Bosnia and Herzegovina losing momentum during a hydration break.