FIFA has confirmed that mandatory hydration breaks will be implemented in every match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, marking a major step aimed at improving player welfare during the expanded tournament.
According to the new rule, each game will be paused twice—once at the 22-minute mark of the first half and again 22 minutes into the second half—regardless of weather conditions, stadium design, or temperature levels.
The decision follows similar measures taken at this year’s FIFA Club World Cup, where drinks breaks were applied more frequently as matches were played in conditions that reached up to 38°C.
In a statement published on its website, FIFA described the new policy as “a streamlined and simplified version” of hydration breaks previously used in select tournaments, including the Club World Cup.
“There will be no weather or temperature condition in place, with the breaks being called by the referee in all games, to ensure equal conditions for all teams, in all matches,” the statement said.
Manolo Zubiria, Chief Tournament Officer for the United States, emphasized that the rule will apply universally. “For every game, no matter where the games are played, no matter if there’s a roof or the temperature, there will be a three-minute hydration break. It will be three minutes from whistle to whistle in both halves,” he announced.
The update comes just days after the full match schedule for the 2026 World Cup was released, with participating nations learning their group-stage opponents, host cities, and kick-off times.
