FIFA Requires Three-Minute Hydration Breaks in Every 2026 World Cup Match

FIFA requires a mandatory three-minute hydration break midway through each half of every match at the 2026 World Cup. The rule took effect for the tournament that opened earlier this month and covers all 16 stadiums across three countries. The governing body announced the policy in December.

Before this World Cup, cooling breaks occurred only when wet-bulb temperature reached 32 °C, or about 90 °F. The new rule applies even when matches are played indoors with air conditioning and at lower temperatures. About 67 minutes into the opening game, the referee signaled for the first scheduled break.

The temperature at kickoff was 74 °F. U.S. rights holder, cut to commercials that ran past the end of the pause, leaving players waiting and some viewers missing the restart. FIFA stated it does not plan to punish Fox.

The organization requires that any ads shown during hydration breaks must begin 20 seconds after the whistle and end 30 seconds before play resumes, leaving two minutes and 10 seconds of additional commercial time per half. A 30-second spot during early World Cup matches sells for roughly $200,000, according to The Wall Street Journal.

U.S. National team games sells for around $750,000. FIFPRO, the global players’ union, issued a press release before the tournament stating that scientific knowledge should guide mitigation strategies to protect players’ health. Players were shown cooling down during a hydration break in the Spain versus Cabo Verde match at Atlanta Stadium on June 15.

The United States national team is scheduled to play Australia on the afternoon of June 19. Fans at several matches have booed when referees called the breaks, and some online comments criticized the added interruptions. Chris Taylor, head coach of Vermont Green FC, said every soccer game already contains different stoppages and lengths.