“Sweat relief!”: 2026 FIFA World Cup set to provide hydration breaks to players

Several players complained about the extreme heat conditions during the Club World Cup. (Image credits - Heute, Licence Details)

FIFA has announced that every game in the 2026 FIFA World Cup will provide a three-minute hydration break in each half to the players.

This new measure has been taken after the organising board was criticised for not taking care of the player's welfare during the FIFA Club World Cup earlier this year held in the US, where several clubs complained about extreme heat conditions.

The highly anticipated 48-team World Cup is also set to take place in the US, Mexico and Canada in the summer, which prompted FIFA to take this measure.

Every game will be paused in the 22nd minute of each half, irrespective of the weather conditions. European players suffer a lot while playing in these conditions and would benefit a lot from this decision.

Last summer’s World Cup water breaks were used but only in games being played in extreme heat. However, FIFA slightly modified this into a much more comforting version of water breaks.

Many games are scheduled in the afternoon hours, which will definitely require these breaks to beat the heat. Temperatures soared to almost around 38 degrees Celsius, challenging the players and staff.

“It's almost impossible to train a full session because of the weather,” said Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca. (sic)

Atletico Madrid's midfielder Marcos Llorente also lashed out for experiencing severe discomfort, highlighting that it was “impossible to play” in such harsh conditions, almost burning his toenails.

The host nation, who have already been criticised a lot for hosting games in such extreme heat conditions, will have FIFA introduce this hydration break, which will ensure the players' well-being and aim to execute the most prestigious tournament in football smoothly.