In preparation for the 2026 World Cup matches taking place in North America this summer, Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) has implemented a mandatory three-minute-long hydration break in the middle of each half as a way to ensure players’ safety in harsh temperatures.
Cooling breaks have been utilized in past World Cups, first in Brazil in 2014, but only as necessitated by select periods of extreme heat. However, for the first time ever in the upcoming 2026 tournament, these breaks will be held regardless of the weather in the spirit of consistency. The first international friendly match took place on March 28 between the U.S. and Belgium.
“I do think that these hydration breaks are necessary,” said Michael Edwardson, a junior marketing and accounting major. “We have seen multiple players struggle with the heat in the U.S., so I believe the players’ health and safety should be a priority.”
Despite the intention behind the mandate, it has raised concerns surrounding disruption to the flow of the game. According to USA Today, Mauricio Pochettino, head coach of the U.S. Men’s National Team, expressed annoyance at the rule, as he feels it has the potential to “cut the rhythm” of play.
“I think coaches are valid for being upset at the breaks because they recognize how unneeded they are,” said Kaiden Blazina, a freshman biology major. “I think that these hydration breaks are unnecessary for playing the World Cup because of the disruption of play and these players are already very fit.”
Some of the selected stadiums across the continent, including Atlanta’s Mercedes-Benz Stadium, are equipped with a roof and air conditioning. These advancements have created additional controversy about the necessity of the hydration breaks in every game, as these features could potentially reduce the need for such accommodations.
“While playing inside these stadiums with AC and roofs, they should not need water breaks,” Blazina said.
USA Today reports that Belgium’s head coach, Rudi Garcia, on the other hand, believes the breaks are a useful coaching opportunity to take advantage of “to speak about strategy and plan.” Edwardson expressed agreement with this idea, even theorizing that the stoppage will prove to be advantageous for teams with a superior coaching staff.
“The breaks will allow coaches to deliver players instructions, meaning the more advanced coaches will be able to make better use of this opportunity by making tactical tweaks mid-game,” Edwardson said.
He feels that player safety is more important than game continuity and that these breaks should simply be utilized strategically as they will not pose a threat to gameplay.
“There are so many stoppages for fouls and injuries during games that these players are aware that they need to be switched on at all times, so this extra stoppage is no different,” he said.
Another aspect of the breaks that many fans have expressed skepticism about is their commercialization. FIFA is allowing companies to advertise during the breaks, which some GCSU students feel is unnecessary and disruptive to their enjoyment of the game.
“In their stance for consistency across all games, the breaks seem to be more commercialized than necessary,” said Eni Bashua, a sophomore mathematics major.
Though he agrees that mandating the breaks is an efficient way to maintain fairness across matches, Bashua feels this does not justify allowing corporations to have a hand in them.
“I think they should have the breaks not because of the necessity, but for consistency and equality,” he said. “I don’t think [they] should be commercialized though.”
Friendly matches will continue in early June, and the tournament officially begins June 11. Whatever the effect of these hydration intervals may be on the upcoming matches, GCSU fans will continue to eagerly watch as their favorite teams battle for the title of FIFA World Cup Champion of 2026.