Hydration breaks at World Cup protect players but split coaches

Hydration breaks have been mandated at every game of the 2026 World Cup, and reactions have been mixed. At Dallas Stadium a break in the second half of England’s opener with Croatia drew loud boos until staff blasted “Mr Brightside” to restore the mood, but the interruption also dented England’s momentum — what seemed on track to be a 6-2 win ultimately finished 4-2.

The pauses last three minutes in each half and are being used at every match regardless of stadium or weather after a December announcement following a Club World Cup trial. The measure traces back to 2014, when cooling breaks were introduced for temperatures above 32C.

“Absolutely, they're necessary,” said Chris Minson, noting that dehydration affects cells and muscles and can lead to cramps and overheating. When a break is needed is more complex than heat alone. Minson pointed to Wet Bulb Global Temperature as the proper metric, explaining that humidity plus heat prevents sweat evaporation and raises risk.

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