FIFA Introduces Mandatory Hydration Breaks for 2026 World Cup

• FIFA introduces mandatory hydration breaks for the 2026 World Cup in USA, Mexico, and Canada.
• Each match will feature a 3-minute hydration break at the 22-minute mark of both halves.
• The new rule aims to combat player fatigue due to heat, regardless of stadium conditions.
• This change will extend each half to approximately 48 minutes, increasing overall match duration.
• Previously, cooling breaks were conditional on factors like temperature (e.g., over 32°C), but now they are compulsory.

Why It Matters: New FIFA hydration breaks will alter 2026 World Cup match flow and player safety.