FIFA announces new rule to be implemented at every 2026 World Cup match

There will be a three-minute pause in each half of every 2026 World Cup game next summer after a new rule was announced.

FIFA have confirmed that hydration breaks will be implemented in all fixtures at the tournament in North America.

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The organisation will introduce the rule to ‘prioritise player welfare’ at matches played across the USA, Mexico and Canada.

High temperatures are expected for a whole host of fixtures, with extra measures now in place to combat any negative impacts.

FIFA, though, haven’t placed any weather or temperature conditions on the hydration breaks.

It means that no matter what, every game will include them, and each half will have a three-minute break enforced.

This is the case to make sure every team has equal conditions.

Referees will pause the fixtures after 22 minutes into each half, with the decision being made after consultation with coaches and broadcasters.

The USA’s Chief Tournament Officer, Manolo Zubiria, unveiled the rule at the World Broadcaster Meeting in Washington DC.

Zubiria explained: “For every game, no matter where the games are played, no matter if there’s a roof, (or) temperature-wise, there will be a three-minute hydration break.

“It will be three minutes from whistle to whistle in both halves.

“Obviously, if there’s an injury (stoppage) at the moment of the 20th or 21st minute and it’s ongoing, this will be addressed on the spot with the referee.”

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Have hydration breaks been used before?

FIFA have previously used hydration breaks, with them used at the Club World Cup last summer and in other tournaments.

There was a slight difference in that rule though, with it only implemented in games played in very high temperatures.

Those fixtures were played across the USA, and with the World Cup there too, similar heat is expected again.

Some players were left concerned by the ‘dangerous’ temperature, so FIFA have now included the hydration breaks to manage welfare.

Chelsea star Enzo Fernandez said at the Club World Cup: “The other day I got a bit dizzy during a play.

“I had to lie down on the ground because I was really dizzy. Playing in this temperature is very dangerous, it’s very dangerous.”

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When does the World Cup start?

The new hydration breaks will be included from the opening game of the tournament through until the final.

The World Cup gets started on Thursday, June 11, 2026.

It will run for just over a month until the showpiece on July 19.

Kick-off times vary between 5pm and 5am, with the fixtures and times confirmed ahead of the tournament.

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