Football has traditionally been divided into two halves, each lasting 45 minutes with a 15-minute break in between. However, changes are on the horizon for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup.
For the first time in history, all matches will include mandatory hydration breaks during each half. These breaks will be implemented around the 22nd minute of the first half and the 67th minute of the second half, and they will be obligatory regardless of the weather conditions.
This adjustment will bring football more in line with other sports such as hockey, basketball, and American football, where coaches have regular opportunities to regroup their players during the game.
The rationale behind FIFA’s decision is clear. With matches scheduled across the United States, Mexico, and Canada during the summer months, concerns regarding heat management and player safety have become paramount. Instead of allowing referees to make individual decisions, FIFA has chosen to adopt a standardized approach.
This change effectively transforms football into a game akin to one with four quarters. Teams will now have a break in each half, allowing coaches to make strategic adjustments. While three minutes may seem insignificant, in the realm of elite sports, it is ample time to provide new instructions, calm players experiencing pressure, or address any emerging tactical issues on the field.
The introduction of hydration breaks may also revolutionize coaching methods. Although players cannot step off the field, U.S. coach Mauricio Pochettino has recently utilized a laptop on the pitch to analyze tactical footage with his team. This allows coaches to provide immediate visual feedback rather than waiting until halftime. As a result, analysts positioned behind the bench may see their roles grow in importance, while the traditional reliance on vocal instructions from the sidelines may diminish.
FIFA has permitted broadcasters to air commercials during these mandatory breaks. Specific guidelines are in place: if broadcasters use a split-screen format that keeps the match visible, only FIFA’s partners and official World Cup sponsors are allowed to advertise. Conversely, if they opt to completely switch away from the match feed, they can fill the slot with other advertisers. Furthermore, ads must not air within 20 seconds of the referee signaling the start of the hydration break, and broadcasters must return to the game more than 30 seconds prior to resuming play.
For the World Cup final at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, FIFA has planned a Super Bowl-style halftime show in collaboration with Global Citizen. This performance is expected to extend the usual 15-minute halftime to nearly 30 minutes. Historically, the World Cup final has focused on the match; however, the 2026 edition will place a greater emphasis on entertainment.
Throughout the tournament, there will be a total of 104 matches, each featuring two mandatory hydration breaks—one per half. Each break will last three minutes, leading to a total of 624 extra minutes across the tournament, equivalent to over 10 hours, or almost seven full football matches.
USA coach Mauricio Pochettino expressed his concerns about the breaks, stating, “To be honest, I don’t like them. I think they disrupt the rhythm of the game. While I understand the need for player health in open stadiums, in conditions around 21 to 23 degrees Celsius, I feel it’s an ideal time to play. It annoys me a bit, but this is the new rule we must accept.”
In contrast, Belgium coach Rudi Garcia welcomed the breaks, saying, “I appreciate them as they provide an opportunity for us coaches to discuss strategy and planning with the team. It was beneficial and interesting to communicate with the team during these intervals.”
Throughout his 18-year journalism career, Mihir Vasavda has reported on significant events including the 2010 FIFA World Cup, the London 2012, Tokyo 2020, and Paris 2024 Olympic Games, as well as multiple Asian Games, Commonwealth Games, Hockey World Cups, and the 2023 ODI Cricket World Cup.
