FIFA will decide after the 2026 World Cup whether mandatory hydration breaks should remain part of the tournament, following mixed reactions from fans and questions about their impact on the game. FIFA’s Chief of Global Football Development, Arsene Wenger, said the organisation would carefully analyse the rule before reaching a final decision.
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Speaking ahead of the World Cup final, Wenger acknowledged that the three-minute hydration breaks introduced midway through each half had divided opinion among supporters. He said the breaks did not appear to influence match results, but FIFA would consider fan feedback because the organisation aims to improve the viewing experience while protecting players.
The mandatory breaks were introduced to safeguard players from extreme heat during the tournament. However, many supporters questioned the need for lengthy stoppages in matches played under cooler conditions or inside covered stadiums, arguing that they disrupted the flow of play and allowed teams extra time to adjust tactics.
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Although Wenger expressed uncertainty about the future of hydration breaks, he strongly supported another new regulation requiring players who receive on-field medical treatment to remain off the pitch for one minute before returning. According to FIFA, medical interventions dropped from an average of 2.3 per match at the 2022 World Cup to 1.6 during the current tournament.
Wenger said FIFA’s medical and technical experts will review all tournament data before making a final decision on the hydration break policy. He added that the organisation has not yet reached a conclusion but will evaluate player welfare, match quality and fan experience before determining whether the rule should continue in future competitions.