FIFA World Cup 2026 matches with 3 minute hydration breaks in each half

FIFA says three-minute hydration breaks will be included in each half of every match at next year’s World Cup, not just those played in warm weather.

The referee stops the match after 22 minutes in each half so that players can have drinks, regardless of the temperature, the host country – the United States, Canada or Mexico – and whether the stadium has a roof and air conditioning.

The change could also be a hit with broadcasters, as it makes the schedule more predictable. FIFA said this was first announced when the governing body’s chief tournament official for the 2026 World Cup, Manolo Zubiria, attended a meeting with broadcasters.

He indicated that referees should have some flexibility if there is a stoppage due to injury shortly before the 22nd minute.

“This will be discussed on the spot with the referee,” Zubiria said.

FIFA said the measure is a “streamlined and simplified version” of a previous practice that involved taking breaks after 30 minutes above a certain temperature threshold, once set at 32 degrees Celsius (89.6 Fahrenheit) on the global wet-bulb temperature system.

The change comes after heat and humidity affected players during some matches at this year’s Club World Cup in the US

At that tournament, FIFA responded by lowering the threshold for cooling or water breaks and also placing more water and towels along the edge of the field.

Heat has long been a problem at major football tournaments. Amid concerns ahead of the 2014 World Cup, a Brazilian court has ordered FIFA to make the recommended breaks mandatory or face fines.

Published on December 8, 2025