There have been a number of breaks throughout the World Cup for players to rest and hydrate
FIFA requires hydration breaks at 22 minutes each half to prevent heat stress, a policy born from extreme conditions at last summer's US Club World Cup. Critics argue it's pretext for ad monetization and reshaping football to suit American broadcast standards.
In short, yes.
Hydration breaks during the midpoint - 22 minutes exactly - of each half of World Cup matches are required, regardless of the weather.
FIFA has implemented the policy to safeguard player health and combat extreme heat stress.
The change applies to every match across the major tournament, including those played in stadiums with closed roofs and climate control systems.
Another bonus of these 'cooling' breaks is that they allow broadcasters to schedule their transmissions.
World Cup hydration breaks are lucrative opportunity for broadcasters
World Cup hydration breaks: Why do they exist? How will it impact the game? What about adverts?
World Cup water breaks offer lucrative advertisement opportunities for broadcasters
What’s Behind Mandatory Hydration Breaks At The World Cup?
FIFA introduces hydration breaks for World Cup, opening the door to mid-match commercials
How FIFA's New World Cup Hydration Breaks Could Change Soccer Broadcasting
World Cup waterbreaks offer lucrative opportunity for broadcasters
Water-gate: Fifa’s lucrative World Cup breaks are ruining the spectacle
Qué es el cooling break y por qué paran durante tres minutos en los partidos del Mundial 2026
Mundial de 2026: ¿Por qué habrán pausas obligatorias de hidratación en los partidos?
There are mandatory breaks for players to hydrate throughout every game at this year's World Cup
FIFA has mandated three-minute hydration breaks in each half of all 104 matches at the 2026 World Cup across the US, Mexico, and…
Hydration breaks were a new feature on the opening day of the World Cup — but what is the reasoning behind them?
A three-minute pause for hydration is in effect for each game of this summer’s World Cup
By mandating hydration breaks at this year's World Cup, FIFA is facilitating a change with huge financial implications as airing…
FIFA mandated three-minute hydration breaks at the 2026 World Cup, giving broadcasters commercial windows. Fox already missed…
