FIFA Requires Three-Minute Hydration Breaks in Every 2026 World Cup Match
The rule requires two scheduled stoppages per game regardless of temperature or venue conditions. Broadcasters have responded differently to the new format.
ForbesFIFA requires a three-minute hydration break at the 22-minute mark of each half in every match of the 2026 World Cup. The policy covers all 104 games and applies regardless of venue temperature or whether matches are played under a roof. FIFA announced the measure in December 2025.
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The clock continues to run during the stoppages, with three minutes added to stoppage time at the end of each half. FOX cut to a full commercial during the first mandatory hydration break of the Mexico versus South Africa match on June 13 and remained in advertisements when play resumed at Boston Stadium. Viewers missed the restart.
On at least one occasion the network also failed to meet FIFA’s requirement to resume coverage at least 30 seconds before play restarted, causing viewers to miss approximately 10 seconds of live action. Telemundo stayed with the live match feed during the breaks and showed player huddles, coach interactions, and analysis.
The network sold 90 percent of its advertising inventory before the tournament and reported advertiser spending double the 2022 level, according to Variety.
Its 2026 advertisers include Anheuser-Busch, AT&T, Bank of America, Coca-Cola, McDonald’s, Toyota, and Volkswagen. FOX and Telemundo together project $850 million in advertising revenue from the 2026 World Cup, according to SportsPro.
U.S. Broadcast rights under a 2014 contract for which it is paying less than $500 million. K. free-to-air broadcaster declined to insert in-game advertising during the hydration breaks despite having sold out its inventory.
USMNT head coach Mauricio Pochettino called the breaks “unnecessary” after a March warm-up match against Belgium. The tournament runs through June and July across venues including Miami, Dallas, Seattle, Boston, Santa Clara, and Atlanta.
