The International Federation of Association Football (FIFA) has announced that all matches during the 2026 World Cup will include a mandatory three-minute water break in each half to ensure players stay hydrated.
FIFA said the decision was introduced to “prioritise the health and well-being of players” and will apply to all fixtures regardless of weather conditions, in order to guarantee “fairness and consistency for all teams in every match.”
Referees will pause play in the 22nd minute of both the first and second halves to allow players to take water breaks.
The 2026 World Cup will be hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico in June and Julymonths during which experts have already warned of extreme heat conditions, rising temperatures, heat-related wildfires, and strong winds that could affect teams, fans, and stadium staff.
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A recent report titled “Pitches in Peril”, produced by Football for the Future and Common Goal, revealed that 10 of the 16 host venues face “very high risk of extreme heat.”
Similar concerns were raised during the 2025 Club World Cup, which drew criticism from players and coaches because matches were played in unusually high temperatures.
Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernández said he felt dizzy during one of the games due to the oppressive heat.Last week, England manager Thomas Tuchel suggested he might even keep his substitutes in the dressing room during matches, depending on the severity of heat and climate conditions they will face.
According to FIFA, the new structured water break is “a clearer and safer system” compared with previous tournaments, including the most recent Club World Cup, where hydration pauses were only taken when temperatures surpassed 32°C.
Heat concerns are also one of the reasons why FIFA scheduled 13 different kick-off times for the 2026 tournament to accommodate varying climate conditions across host cities. Manolo Zubiria, FIFA’s Chief Tournament Officer, explained: “In every match, regardless of the venuewhether it’s indoors or outdoors, whether temperatures are high or moderatethere will be a three-minute hydration break. That’s three minutes from the moment the whistle is blown in each half.”
He added: “Of course, if an injury or another stoppage occurs around the 20th or 21st minute, the referee will use their discretion to combine that interruption with the hydration break.”
