Overview
- Referees will stop play 22 minutes into each half for a three-minute break in every match, effectively creating four quarters.
- The pauses apply regardless of temperature, host nation or roofed, air-conditioned stadiums to ensure uniform conditions.
- Game clocks will continue during the breaks, with three minutes added to stoppage time at the end of each half.
- Officials can adjust if an injury or other stoppage is already in progress near the 22-minute mark, according to FIFA.
- FIFA says coaches, broadcasters and its medical team backed the change to protect players after heat issues at the Club World Cup, with predictable pauses also benefiting broadcasts and in-game tactics.