How many World Cup drink breaks are there each match and how long do they last?

With sweltering temperatures set to impact games at this summer’s World Cup, FIFA have taken measures to help the players out.

In December, it was announced that every game during the tournament, regardless of the weather, would have hydration breaks.

AFP

Yep, that’s each and every one of the 104 games to be played across the United States, Mexico and Canada.

The introduction of the hydration breaks come as no surprise, with several teams arriving early across the host nations to help acclimatise themselves with the searing heat.

For example, temperatures are expected to reach as high as 34C but feel closer to 41C when England take on Croatia in Arlington, Texas on June 17.

Luckily the Three Lions are a stronger chance of enjoying cooler conditions in their second match against Ghana in Boston on June 23, with the temperature likely to be around 26C.

But the heat will return for England’s last group game against Panama at MetLife Stadium in New York, with the temperature expected to sit between 28C and 33C.

No matter how high or low the reading on the thermometer is, England will have opportunities to rehydrate in the middle of games, as will the other 47 nations competing.

How many World Cup drink breaks are there each match?

In each match at the World Cup, there will be two hydration breaks.

Given there are two breaks, one will happen in the first half and one in the second half.

Getty

Referees will pause the fixtures after 22 minutes into each half.

So that’s at the 22nd-minute mark in the first half, then the 67th minute in the second half.

Of course, it could be a minute or two behind should the ball not go out of play for a reasonable period of time.

The hydration breaks are expected to last three minutes each.

It’s plenty of time for players to get some extra fluids on board as they exert themselves for their nations.

Can managers give their players tactical instructions during the drink breaks?

As it stands, managers are free to dish out key tactical instructions to their players during the hydration breaks.

One boss who used it to great effect was United States coach Mauricio Pochettino, as he got his players to crowd around a laptop during a hydration break in a friendly against Senegal.

FIFA are yet to clarify whether the use of a laptop during the hydration break is illegal or not.

There are also uncertainty on if the players are allowed to leave the field of play during the hydration breaks, or if they must wait on the pitch for drinks to be brought over.

A Sport Canli Yayin

What has been said about the drink breaks?

Although managers will welcome the opportunity for their players to have a brief moment of rest, some are fearful the hydration breaks will be exploited.

“The game is going to change,” Portugal boss Roberto Martinez said.

“This is a tactical stop. Of course it is a hydration stop, but during three minutes – we’ve seen many examples in other sports, basketball, futsal, – the game can really change, the momentum can really change.”

France boss Didier Deschamps echoed a similar sentiment in March, stating: “This changes football.”