The World Cup 2026 has introduced a mandatory three-minute hydration break at half-time of each match to protect players. Through this, the players will be able to play in extreme heat and humidity. However, not everyone is the same about this break. Some have even commented that it was a commercial break to please US broadcasters.
"I don't like it, it's not necessary when the weather is good," said US co-host coach Mauricio Pochettino. Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti believes this break is helpful in giving the players new directions. Brazil's players took this break midway through the first half as they played against Morocco at the New York Stadium in New Jersey. After the break, Brazil managed to equalize with a quick goal.
Emma Hayes, coach of the US women's team, thinks the break could be detrimental to the top-ranked team. "When you're at the top, you don't want to go on break," he said. Sometimes this break is just to keep the players calm.
Both Canada and Australia benefited from the break and managed to level the match. However, in some cases such as Curaçao against Germany, they failed to sustain their pressure after the break.
Some experts believe this break is an opportunity to show ads to US viewers. However, Spain coach Luis de la Fuente thinks this is a positive step to protect the health of the players.
