Sports Updates: Fifa to use cooling breaks at every World Cup 2026 game, regardless of weather

Source:

https://www.theguardian.com/football/2025/dec/08/fifa-world-cup-2026-cooling-breaks

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Fifa has announced that mandatory cooling and hydration breaks will be implemented in every match at the 2026 World Cup, regardless of weather conditions, venue location or stadium design. Under the new rule, referees will stop play 22 minutes into each half to allow players a three-minute hydration break, effectively dividing matches into four segments or “quarters”.

Previously, cooling breaks were only mandated when temperatures exceeded a specific heat threshold, measured using the wet bulb global temperature system. Fifa described the new approach as a “streamlined and simplified” version of the earlier policy, removing the need to assess conditions on a game-by-game basis. The organisation said the decision was made primarily in the interest of player safety, particularly following concerns over heat and humidity during recent tournaments.

The move follows this year’s Club World Cup in the United States, where extreme heat prompted Fifa to lower the threshold for water breaks and introduce additional measures such as placing water and towels around the pitch. Heat has been a recurring issue at major football events, including the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, where courts intervened to make breaks mandatory amid health concerns.

Fifa acknowledged that referees may apply limited flexibility if an injury or stoppage occurs shortly before the scheduled break, with decisions made on the spot.

Beyond player welfare, the change may also benefit broadcasters, as the predictable timing of breaks allows for more structured coverage and potential advertising opportunities. Some observers note that the format resembles quarter-based stoppages common in major US sports leagues such as the NFL and NBA.

A recent report highlighted the relevance of the policy, finding that 10 of the 16 World Cup venues across the US, Canada and Mexico face very high risks of extreme heat stress, underscoring the need for consistent protective measures during the tournament.