The 2026 World Cup includes an unprecedented feature as FIFA aim to prioritise player welfare in the United States, Mexico and Canada this summer.
Every single game at the tournament will involve two drinks breaks, one in each half of the match. They will last for three minutes each.
The details behind FIFA’s unprecedented player welfare decision
FIFA announced as early as December 2025 that each fixture at the World Cup will be stopped 22 minutes into both the first half and the second half, to allow players to rehydrate.
FIFA state that there is ‘no weather or temperature condition in place, with the breaks being called by the referee in all games, to ensure equal conditions for all teams, in all matches’ – in what is a first at a World Cup.
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Another first is that players making their debut in the competition will wear unique patches on the front of their shirts.
Manolo Zubiria – Chief Tournament Officer for the FIFA World Cup 2026 – said: “For every game, no matter where the games are played, no matter if there’s a roof (or) temperature-wise, there will be a three-minute hydration break. It will be three minutes from whistle to whistle in both halves.
“Obviously, if there’s an injury (stoppage) at the moment of the 20th or 21st minute and it’s ongoing, this will be addressed on the spot with the referee.”
Fox Sports have been using the breaks to show advertisements to viewers, but actually caused fans to miss some of the action in the opening game as Mexico recorded a 2-0 win over South Africa.
A source close to FIFA told The Athletic that broadcasters have been warned that an advertisement should not start within 20 seconds of the referee starting the hydration break – and that they should return to the match coverage at least 30 seconds before play is set to restart.
What England are using to cool down at the World Cup
As temperatures reached 32C during England’s opening training session in West Palm Beach, Florida, additional measures were taken to ensure the players did not overheat.
The England squad were seen utilising advanced palm-cooling equipment, which BBC Sport say will be used by the Three Lions in training sessions and also during these hydration breaks.
It is understood that cooling the palms can significantly lower core body temperature.
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Only time will tell whether it helps to give England – who hammered Miami FC in a friendly – an edge over opponents, and win a World Cup title for the first time since 1966.
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