FIFA says it will include three-minute hydration breaks in every half of every match at next year’s World Cup, not just those played in hot weather.
The referee will stop the match 22 minutes after the start of each half so players can have a drink, regardless of the temperature, the host country – the United States, Canada or Mexico – or whether the stadium has a roof and air conditioning.
This change could also please broadcasters, as it makes the match schedule more predictable and opens up more advertising opportunities.
FIFA said the announcement was first made when 2026 World Cup boss Manolo Zubiria attended a meeting with broadcasters.
He indicated that referees could have some flexibility if there was a stoppage shortly before the 22 minute mark due to injury.
“It will be settled on the spot with the referee,” Zubiria said.
FIFA said the move was a “streamlined and simplified version” of a previous practice of taking breaks after 30 minutes above a certain temperature threshold, once set at 32 degrees Celsius on the global wet bulb temperature system.
The change comes after heat and humidity affected players during some matches at this year’s Club World Cup in the United States.
At this tournament, FIFA responded by lowering the threshold for cooling or water breaks and placing more water and towels around the pitch.
Heat has long been a problem at major soccer tournaments. Amid concerns ahead of the 2014 World Cup, a Brazilian court has ordered FIFA to make recommended breaks mandatory, or face fines.
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