Zurich, Switzerland, December 9, 2025
FIFA has announced that all matches during the upcoming World Cup will feature a mandatory three-minute hydration break midway through each half, regardless of weather conditions. This new rule is aimed at ensuring player safety and standardizing conditions across all venues, especially considering the potential for extreme heat, as highlighted by a recent report. The referee will implement these breaks 22 minutes into each half, contributing to FIFA’s commitment to player welfare and enhancing tournament integrity.
Zurich, Switzerland – FIFA has mandated that all matches in the 2026 World Cup will include a three-minute hydration break midway through each half, regardless of weather conditions. This decision aims to standardize player safety measures across all venues.
The new rule stipulates that referees will pause the game 22 minutes into each half to allow players to rehydrate. Previously, cooling breaks were only implemented when temperatures at kickoff exceeded 31°C, typically 30 minutes into each half. The change is part of FIFA’s commitment to player welfare, especially in response to concerns about extreme heat during major tournaments, such as the 2025 Club World Cup held in the U.S. A recent report highlighted that 10 of the 16 venues for the 2026 tournament, hosted across the U.S., Mexico, and Canada, are at high risk of extreme heat stress. FIFA emphasized that hydration breaks are based on past experiences and are designed to ensure optimal conditions for players. Exceptions to the timing may occur if ongoing injuries are being treated around the break period.
FIFA’s Chief Tournament Officer for the U.S., Manolo Zubiria, stated that the new approach is a “streamlined and simplified version” of the breaks used at some previous tournaments, including the FIFA Club World Cup 2025. He emphasized that the breaks will be called by the referee in all games, regardless of weather or stadium conditions, to ensure equal conditions for all teams. Zubiria also noted that if there is an injury stoppage around the 20th or 21st minute, it will be addressed on the spot with the referee.
This initiative follows concerns raised during the 2025 Club World Cup, where several matches were played in high temperatures, leading to player discomfort and health risks. FIFA’s decision to implement mandatory hydration breaks in every match of the 2026 World Cup reflects a proactive approach to safeguarding player health and maintaining the integrity of the tournament.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the new FIFA rule for the 2026 World Cup?
FIFA has mandated that all matches in the 2026 World Cup will include a three-minute hydration break midway through each half, regardless of weather conditions. This decision aims to standardize player safety measures across all venues.
When will the hydration breaks occur during the matches?
The new rule stipulates that referees will pause the game 22 minutes into each half to allow players to rehydrate. Previously, cooling breaks were only implemented when temperatures at kickoff exceeded 31°C, typically 30 minutes into each half.
Why has FIFA implemented this change?
The change is part of FIFA’s commitment to player welfare, especially in response to concerns about extreme heat during major tournaments, such as the 2025 Club World Cup held in the U.S. A recent report highlighted that 10 of the 16 venues for the 2026 tournament, hosted across the U.S., Mexico, and Canada, are at high risk of extreme heat stress. FIFA emphasized that hydration breaks are based on past experiences and are designed to ensure optimal conditions for players. Exceptions to the timing may occur if ongoing injuries are being treated around the break period.
Will the hydration breaks affect the match schedule?
FIFA’s Chief Tournament Officer for the U.S., Manolo Zubiria, stated that the new approach is a “streamlined and simplified version” of the breaks used at some previous tournaments, including the FIFA Club World Cup 2025. He emphasized that the breaks will be called by the referee in all games, regardless of weather or stadium conditions, to ensure equal conditions for all teams. Zubiria also noted that if there is an injury stoppage around the 20th or 21st minute, it will be addressed on the spot with the referee.
How does this decision relate to previous tournaments?
This initiative follows concerns raised during the 2025 Club World Cup, where several matches were played in high temperatures, leading to player discomfort and health risks. FIFA’s decision to implement mandatory hydration breaks in every match of the 2026 World Cup reflects a proactive approach to safeguarding player health and maintaining the integrity of the tournament.
Key Features of the 2026 World Cup Hydration Breaks
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Hydration Breaks | Three-minute breaks in each half of every match, regardless of weather conditions. |
| Timing | Referees will pause the game 22 minutes into each half for players to rehydrate. |
| Purpose | To standardize player safety measures and ensure optimal conditions for players across all venues. |
| Exceptions | Timing may be adjusted if ongoing injuries are being treated around the break period. |
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FIFA Implements Mandatory Hydration Breaks for World Cup Matches
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