FIFA has announced that all 2026 World Cup matches will include mandatory three-minute hydration breaks midway through each half, regardless of weather conditions. The global governing body said referees will pause play 22 minutes into both halves to allow players to rehydrate, replacing the previous rule that required cooling breaks only when temperatures at kickoff exceeded 31°C.
Manolo Zubiria, the World Cup’s chief tournament officer in the United States, said the change is intended to simplify existing guidelines. “For every game, no matter where it is played, whether there’s a roof or not, and regardless of temperature, there will be a three-minute hydration break,” he told broadcasters in Washington. He added that if a stoppage, such as an injury, is already in progress around the 20th or 21st minute, referees will manage the situation accordingly.
The decision comes amid rising concerns over extreme heat at North American venues. During this year’s Club World Cup in the U.S., several afternoon kickoffs sparked discussions about player safety. A September study by Football for the Future, Common Goal, and Jupiter Intelligence found that 10 of the 16 World Cup venues in the U.S., Mexico and Canada face a very high risk of heat stress during the tournament.
FIFA said the introduction of mandatory hydration breaks is based on lessons from previous events and reflects its efforts to ensure optimal playing conditions for athletes at the 2026 World Cup.
