Standardised Hydration Breaks for Every Game
FIFA has announced that the 2026 World Cup will feature three-minute water breaks 22 minutes into each half of every match — a significant shift from the previous policy, where cooling breaks were triggered only by high heat and humidity.
The rule will apply across all host nations — the United States, Mexico and Canada — and even in stadiums with roofs or air-conditioning.
Referees to Manage Flexibility Around Stoppages
FIFA’s chief tournament officer for 2026, Manolo Zubiria, confirmed the move during a meeting with broadcasters, noting that referees may adjust the exact timing if a stoppage occurs shortly before the 22-minute mark.
“This will be addressed on the spot with the referee,” Zubiria said.
The new system replaces the older approach that relied on heat thresholds, once set at 32°C on the wet-bulb global temperature index, to trigger cooling breaks.
Predictability Benefits for Broadcasters
While designed with player welfare in mind, the decision is also expected to appeal to broadcasters. Fixed breaks provide more predictable scheduling and potentially open additional windows for advertising — a consideration during a tournament spread across vast time zones.
Heat Concerns Have Long Driven Policy Changes
The update follows issues at this year’s Club World Cup in the US, where heat and humidity forced FIFA to lower thresholds for cooling breaks and increase water availability around fields.
Heat management has been a recurring topic at major tournaments: ahead of the 2014 World Cup, a Brazilian court even ordered FIFA to mandate breaks or risk fines.
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