The two mandatory drinking breaks in every World Cup game cause controversy – it’s about the culture of football, the impact on the game and, of course, money. General drinking breaks are currently not an issue for the Bundesliga and the Champions League.
Will there now be general drinking breaks in the Bundesliga and Champions League?
First things first: no.
In the 2026/27 season of the Bundesliga and the 2nd Bundesliga, a procedure similar to that of the 2026 World Cup is not planned. Drinking breaks are still not mandatory in the regulations, but have been possible for some time if necessary. “Drinking breaks will continue to be decided depending on the weather situation”said the DFL at Sportschau’s request. When it’s very hot, the referees in Germany can react and allow the teams to take such breaks. However, there should not be a general scheduling of drinking breaks like at the World Cup.
VfB Stuttgart in the Bundesliga during a drinking break
When asked by Sportschau, UEFA said that its approach to drinking breaks in the European Cup was similar to that of the Bundesliga. If temperatures are above 35 degrees or if the heat index WBGT exceeds 32, the breaks should be used, according to UEFA’s medical regulations. If the values are lower, the referee can allow drinking breaks if he deems it appropriate. This is, for example, what DFB referee Daniel Siebert did at the Champions League final in Budapest.
In the future, there will be no general drinking breaks in every game at UEFA either, which emphasized to the Sportschau: “UEFA has no plans to change these regulations for upcoming competitions. This includes the Champions League and Euro 2028.”
What will become of this stance by the DFL and UEFA in the long term is of course uncertain. It’s not just about possible new income. Because the course of the games at the highest level would be less comparable in the long term if there were different approaches.
Arsenal coach Mikel Arteta with his players during a drinking break in the Champions League final
Why are there drinking breaks?
FIFA was criticized for the 2025 Club World Cup because of the heat at times. Players’ unions accused the world association of risking the well-being of the players. FIFA reacted and announced before the World Cup that it would hold a three-minute drinking break after around 22 minutes of every game in each half. It doesn’t matter what the weather or temperatures are or whether a stadium roof is closed. So should “The same conditions apply to the teams in all games”said FIFA as justification.
Who benefits from the breaks?
Double victory for FIFA: The allegations have been cleared up – and a new source of income has been opened up. The broadcast rights may become more valuable for the broadcasters because there is now another opportunity for advertising at a highly attractive time in the middle of the game. Numerous broadcasters around the world use these. The rights holders in Germany, ARD, ZDF and Magenta TV, also show advertising during drinking breaks within the scope of legal possibilities. However, on ARD and ZDF, advertising is only possible before 8 p.m.
The trainers are the other beneficiaries. They have the chance to reset their teams and have a tactical influence on the game. New Zealand coach Darren Bazeley said the break was good for the coaches, “We can talk to the players and tweak a few things”. Mauricio Pochettino, head coach of co-host USA, sees it differently: “I do not like that.” In his opinion, there should only be breaks when the conditions are extreme. “But if the conditions are good, it’s unnecessary.”
Mauricio Pochettino, USA national coach
What impact do the breaks have on the game?
There are so far too few games to make a real determination. A first impression, however, is that teams that are currently in charge can lose momentum while their opponents reorganize themselves. Brazil trailed against Morocco to equalize after the drinking break. “You can explain a problem to the players”said Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti. “You can make a tactical adjustment that can be very good.”
Australia took the lead against Turkey just as soon after the first drinking break as Scotland did against Haiti. The Netherlands conceded the equalizer against Japan shortly after a drinking break. One can only assume that the breaks were a reason for this. National coach Julian Nagelsmann, for example, indicated that the drinking break was useful for him to reset the team after Curacao’s equalizer. “It actually helped to show what we had adjusted before on the board to the players”said Nagelsmann. Spain player Mikel Merino said: “That has a big impact. The coaches can make adjustments and change the dynamic.”
Another aspect: The players can not only drink, but also take a breather. This can be particularly important now that more and more measures against time play have been introduced into the rules. The “natural breaks” of the game at standards are becoming shorter and the stress is higher.
Julian Nagelsmann speaks to his players during a drinking break against Curacao.
Who has problems with this?
The breaks change the character and culture of the game. In addition to new show elements, changed procedures for the national anthems and four to five-digit ticket prices, FIFA has shown that it is open to changes. Like basketball, the drinking breaks now effectively divide the game into four quarters.
New Zealand coach Bazeley said he was thinking about it himself “not used to” and fans could be annoyed by it from his point of view. “If you’re sitting in front of the TV, it’s probably not that good – you have to watch commercials.” And sometimes longer than expected, the Fox broadcaster in the USA missed a timely return to the game in one game.
Darren Bazeley, New Zealand coach
That’s exactly what Netherlands captain Virgil van Dijk said after his team’s game against Japan. “That’s not really something I like”he said, referring to his observations during the television broadcasts. “When it’s very hot, it’s of course good to take breaks. But in my opinion you have to look at it individually for each game.”
Netherlands’ Virgil van Dijk in an interview after the game against Japan
Why isn’t time stopped during drinking breaks?
The rules only allow for one real break and that is the half-time break. All other interruptions are replayed, and this principle also applies to the drinking breaks.
Football rules state that referees must take substitutions or injury interruptions into account when determining stoppage time. Drinking and cooling breaks, which should last a maximum of three minutes, are also expressly mentioned.
Drinking break for Sweden against Tunisia