Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk has criticised FIFA's decision to enforce mandatory hydration breaks at the 2026 World Cup, urging the governing body to revise its own regulations.
The Netherlands defender, 34, scored in his side's group opener against Japan on Sunday but was left frustrated by the interruption. The match took place in a climate-controlled venue in Dallas, with temperatures around 20 degrees Celsius.
Van Dijk said: "I think hydration breaks are really interesting. I was obviously watching almost all of the games up until today. I think every time going to commercials is a bit, not really something that I like. I think for the neutral watchers on TV it is also not great. So if it is really hot it would be good to put them in but I think you have to look at it in every game, separately, in my opinion."
The three-minute water breaks are scheduled in the middle of each half due to extreme weather conditions across North America. FIFA states they are for player welfare, but critics argue they disrupt the flow of the game.
UK broadcasters have not aired adverts during the breaks, but FOX Sports in the US has been criticised for exceeding the allowed time. FIFA will not penalise FOX for a violation during the Mexico vs South Korea match, accepting their explanation.
Van Dijk's comments add to the growing debate over the breaks, which some say turn a game of two halves into four quarters.
