New Player-Welfare Measure to Apply Twice Per Match as Global Temperatures Rise
FIFA has confirmed that the 2026 World Cup will feature three-minute hydration breaks in each half, a new policy aimed at protecting player health amid increasingly challenging weather conditions.
The global football governing body announced that every match will now include two official cooling pauses one in the first half and another in the second giving teams structured opportunities to rehydrate, recover, and reduce the risk of heat-related fatigue or injuries.
FIFA explained that the decision follows extensive consultations with medical experts and analysis of climate data across the tournament’s multiple host cities in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The organisation emphasised that player safety remains a core priority, especially as elite football continues to adapt to rising global temperatures and more demanding match schedules.
The new hydration-break rule will be fully integrated into match protocols and enforced by referees throughout the tournament.
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