FIFA President Defends Mandatory Water Break Policy
FIFA President Gianni Infantino has addressed the introduction of mandatory water breaks during matches at the 2026 World Cup. Under the new rule, each half will feature one obligatory pause, regardless of weather conditions. Previously, referees only called such breaks during extreme heat, but now they will be enforced even in cooler temperatures. Infantino stated that heat remains the primary reason behind the decision. He emphasized that with the World Cup spanning 39 days and teams potentially playing up to eight matches, having the chance to rest is critically important.
'For us, it is even more important to ensure that all teams play under the same conditions in every match. And it is very hard to accept that a coach might have the opportunity to influence the course of the game. We want to guarantee equal conditions for everyone, and that is why these breaks are scheduled for every match.' Gianni Infantino
The FIFA president also added that ensuring fair conditions for all teams is essential. The decision has drawn criticism from fans, experts, as well as current players and coaches. Meanwhile, Colombia's national team defeated DR Congo 1–0 in their second group-stage match of the 2026 World Cup, securing their place in the next round of the tournament.
Infantino further stressed that 'FIFA does not earn any extra revenue from this, as all commercial agreements were signed in advance.' He emphasized that the move is purely a sporting matter, not a financial one.
How the New Rules Could Change Match Dynamics
The introduction of mandatory water breaks at the 2026 World Cup could significantly alter match dynamics, as it allows teams to recover more effectively under a demanding schedule. However, the backlash surrounding this decision highlights differing opinions on how such pauses affect the game. Colombia, which has already secured its spot in the next round, may serve as an example of how teams adapt to the new conditions set by FIFA.
The debate surrounding hydration breaks is not limited to the FIFA World Cup. In contrast, the upcoming UEFA 2028 European Championship will not implement similar mandatory pauses, highlighting differing approaches to player welfare and match conditions in major tournaments. This divergence raises questions about the impact of such policies on the game and athlete performance across various competitions.