In view of the next World Cup in 2026, FIFA announces something new on all pitches: Hydration breaks, regardless of temperatures. Here’s what it’s all about
Interesting news for the next ones World Cup 2026 that will be played in North Americabetween the United States, Canada and Mexico. During the ‘World Broadcaster Meeting‘ held in Washington DC, LA FIFA presented an initiative related to the well-being of the players throughout the tournament. It will be called ‘Hydration Break‘, an obligatory version of the famous cooling break. Unlike the latter, which only occur in certain weather conditions, the new idea promoted by FIFA provides for the use of these breaks in every match of the tournament, regardless of temperatures and weather conditions.
In the press release published by FIFA we read that thereferee will stop the match every 22nd minute, both in the first and second half. The break will allow players to take a three-minute break to rehydrate. It will happen in every gamein order to guarantee total fairness on all pitches of the next summer World Cup.