Thomas Tuchel has reportedly introduced a special thermoregulation beverage called CoreCtrl for England players during mandatory hydration breaks at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The drink, created by Alistair Brownlee's nutrition brand Truefuels, is designed to help the body cool down more effectively and delay performance declines in extreme heat.
Mandatory Hydration Breaks at the World Cup
FIFA requires two three-minute hydration breaks per match, typically around the 22nd minute of the first half and the 67th minute of the second half. The referee pauses the game to allow players to take in fluids, electrolytes, and other nutrition items. England's quarter-final against Argentina is scheduled for Wednesday.
CoreCtrl and Custom Electrolyte Mix
Tuchel's sports science team placed a significant pre-tournament order for CoreCtrl, which contains active ingredients like L-Taurine and mint flavour to aid thermoregulation. In addition, players consume a custom Lucozade electrolyte mix with high sodium to retain fluids. Since Lucozade is not an official FIFA sponsor, the branding on the pouches is covered with stickers.
Ice Slushies and Player-Named Blends
The team also uses custom ice slushies to lower core body temperature more quickly than liquids alone. Staff have named recovery blends after players, such as "Bluekayo Saka" and "Thomas Too Cool." Team nutritionists prohibit plain water in extreme conditions because it can pass through the body as urine without effectively rehydrating cells.
Tuchel's Criticism of Hydration Breaks
Despite using the breaks strategically, Tuchel has voiced disapproval of the mandatory stoppages. Speaking at a conference last month, he claimed they interrupt the game's rhythm and alter its "identity." He added that the breaks divide the match into "almost four quarters" and are excessively long compared with shorter, localised cooling breaks he has experienced before.
