FIFA has introduced mandatory cooling breaks in each half of World Cup matches, sparking curiosity among fans. The breaks are part of a strict new hydration policy for the 2026 tournament.
What is a cooling break?
A mandatory three-minute stoppage occurs exactly 22 minutes into each half, regardless of weather conditions or stadium features like closed roofs or air conditioning. This rule applies universally to all matches.
Why are these breaks important?
The primary goal is to protect player health and mitigate risks of extreme heat stress. Additionally, the predictable schedule helps broadcasters manage their transmissions, effectively reshaping the traditional match into four quarters.
Reason for mandatory cooling breaks
The driving force came from last summer's Club World Cup, where players and managers heavily criticized extreme temperatures. Enzo Fernandez revealed feeling "really dizzy" in the "very dangerous" heat, while Atletico Madrid's Marcos Llorente said he felt "terribly hot," adding that "my toes were sore, my nails were hurting - it's incredible."
FIFA's response
In response, FIFA announced mandatory cooling breaks to safeguard player health. An official statement explained these measures are "part of a focused attempt to ensure the best possible conditions for players, drawing upon the experiences of previous tournaments, including the recent FIFA Club World Cup."
Will there be advertisements during the breaks?
Yes, commercials can air during these water breaks. According to ESPN, broadcasters can use a split-screen format or cut away to a full advertisement. However, ITV has chosen not to show ads, and the BBC does not run commercials at all. Advertisements cannot begin within 20 seconds of the referee signaling the start of the break, and coverage must return at least 30 seconds before play restarts.
Fallout from the ad break decision
The approval of commercial breaks has sparked backlash from fans, who suspect financial motives behind the cooling breaks. However, FIFA maintains that the mandatory stoppage will remain consistent across all games, even in colder climates, to preserve tournament consistency.
