France’s head coach, Didier Deschamps, speaks with his players during the hydration break during a FIFA World Cup 2026 Group I match between France and Iraq at Philadelphia Stadium. (Photo by Dan Mullan/Getty Images)
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FIFA’s introduction of mandatory three-minute hydration breaks during each half of the 2026 FIFA World Cup matches has sparked mixed reactions. This decision comes as the U.S. is currently experiencing a “heat dome.” However, some fans have expressed dissatisfaction, suspecting ulterior motives for halting the games 22 minutes into each half, arguing that these breaks disrupt the match’s rhythm.
What Is FIFA’s Explanation For The Hydration Breaks
In a December 2025 announcement, FIFA justified the new hydration break policy as a measure to protect players’ health. The statement read, “Players at the FIFA World Cup 2026 will benefit from three-minute hydration breaks in each half of games as FIFA prioritises player welfare throughout next summer’s tournament co-hosted by Canada, Mexico and the United States.” FIFA emphasized that referees would enforce these breaks regardless of environmental conditions, including when matches occur indoors, to maintain fair conditions for all teams. Therefore, hydration breaks will occur even if a game is played under a literal dome, not just a heat dome.
This marks the first World Cup with an official policy for hydration breaks. Previously, referees in other major tournaments have occasionally called for drink breaks at their discretion, primarily due to high temperatures. This issue gained prominence during last summer’s FIFA Club World Cup in the U.S., where some matches faced extreme heat. FIFA’s announcement highlighted that “The use of hydration breaks is part of a focused attempt to ensure the best possible conditions for players, drawing upon the experiences of previous tournaments, including the recent FIFA Club World Cup, which took place in the United States last summer.”
There Is Justification For Hydration Breaks During The Current Heat Wave
Few would contest the benefits of staying hydrated and resting during extreme heat. Doctors rarely advise against drinking water unless it involves something questionable like raw water. Proper hydration is crucial for maintaining bodily functions, as previously discussed in Forbes. Monitoring the color of one’s urine can indicate hydration levels; pale yellow or clearer urine suggests adequate hydration, while darker shades might signal insufficient water intake.
Currently, many regions, including cities like New York City, Philadelphia, Houston, and Atlanta—host cities for the World Cup’s knockout stage—are experiencing soaring temperatures. A “heat dome” now covers much of the central and eastern United States.
A heat dome forms when a layer of warm air in the atmosphere traps hot air close to the ground, increasing air pressure. This high-pressure system prevents cooler air from entering, resulting in a prolonged heat wave. Such conditions elevate the risk of heat-related issues like heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
