FIFA has declared that all games in the upcoming 2026 World Cup will include three-minute hydration pauses during each half. This decision applies universally, irrespective of the weather conditions, the country hosting the matches—whether the United States, Canada, or Mexico—or the stadium’s amenities such as air conditioning.

The referees will pause the match 22 minutes into both halves, granting players time to hydrate. This initiative is expected to enhance the predictability of broadcast schedules, as announced by FIFA’s chief tournament officer for the 2026 World Cup, Manolo Zubiria, during a meeting with broadcasters.

Zubiria mentioned that referees might adjust the timing of the breaks if an injury occurs close to the 22-minute mark, stating, “This will be addressed on the spot with the referee.”

FIFA noted that this change simplifies a previous system that called for breaks only after 30 minutes under certain temperature conditions. It was influenced by challenges faced by players during recent matches, where the impact of heat and humidity became significant. This proactive adjustment aims to uphold player welfare amid the demands of elite soccer competitions.