LOS ANGELES — For the first time in World Cup history, FIFA is mandating that all players take hydration breaks midway through each half to protect against extreme heat, a move that has drawn criticism from both the coaching and scientific communities.
The 2026 World Cup — co-hosted by the United States, Mexico and Canada — could be the hottest tournament ever held, some experts have warned. In anticipation, FIFA announced it would enforce three-minute hydration breaks regardless of the ambient temperature or whether stadiums are enclosed or air-conditioned.
The breaks are designed to give players time to cool down and rehydrate during play. But critics on the sidelines have pushed back. Some coaches have argued that the stoppage disrupts the rhythm of a match and gives the opposing team an opportunity to shift momentum.
Some scientists have also questioned the rule’s effectiveness. Researchers have said three minutes may not be enough to significantly lower core body temperature or replace lost fluids when conditions are particularly severe.
The new rule applies to every match in the tournament, which runs across 16 host cities in the three nations. Climate and health researchers have said the structure of the joint-host arrangement — with matches stretching from northern Canada to southern Mexico — means players could face a wide range of temperatures depending on venue and timing.
MSI previously reported that some critics have raised concerns about fan safety at the tournament, particularly in connection to FIFA’s ban on outside water bottles entering stadiums and the risks of extreme heat for spectators waiting in long lines to enter venues. Heat experts warn FIFA bottle ban risks fan health at World Cup