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FIFA Mandates Three-Minute Hydration Breaks at 22 Minutes of Each Half for 2026 World Cup

The fixed pause replaces temperature-based cooling criteria to create uniform match conditions.

Overview

  • All matches in Canada, Mexico and the United States will include the stoppage regardless of climate or stadium roofing.
  • Referees will halt play around the 22nd minute of each half, and the break will last exactly three minutes from the whistle.
  • Timing may be adjusted if play was stopped shortly beforehand for an injury after consultation with match officials.
  • FIFA describes the policy as a simplified, optimized update that supersedes the prior wet-bulb threshold once set near 32°C (89.6°F).
  • The measure was first outlined to broadcasters, who gain more predictable match timing for scheduling.