FIFA has officially announced that to prioritize player health at the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Canada, Mexico & United States, a 3-minute hydration break will be introduced in both the first and second halves of every match.
Official Announcement as Follows:
Players participating in the 2026 World Cup will benefit from hydration breaks:
A 3-minute hydration break midway through each half
Mandatorily implemented in all matches regardless of weather conditions
Unlike the more complex hydration rules in some previous tournaments (e.g., the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup), the new rule is more streamlined. Referees will pause the game in the 22nd minute of each half to allow players to rehydrate. The hydration break will be enforced in every match, regardless of weather, temperature, or venue conditions, to ensure all teams compete on fair terms.
Manolo Zubiria, Chief Tournament Officer (USA) for the 2026 World Cup, stated at the World Broadcaster Meeting held in Washington, D.C.:
“No matter where the match is held, whether there is a roof or not, or what the temperature is, there will be a 3-minute hydration break in both halves of every game. It will be three minutes from the whistle to the whistle again after the hydration break.”
He added:
“Of course, if an injury occurs on the field in the 20th or 21st minute leading to a stoppage, the referee will make an on-the-spot decision to handle the situation.”
The hydration break is one of FIFA’s key measures to provide the best possible match conditions for players, based on experience from previous tournaments, including relevant tests conducted at the new Club World Cup.
