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

• Every game will pause 22 minutes into each half

Every game will pause 22 minutes into each half • Breaks will essentially split games into four “quarters”

Breaks will essentially split games into four “quarters” • Fifa said the change is in the interest of player safety

Fifa said the change is in the interest of player safety

Fifa says it will include three-minute hydration breaks in each half of every game at next year’s World Cup, not just those played in hot weather.

The referee will stop the game 22 minutes into each half for players to take drinks, regardless of the temperature, the host country – the United States, Canada or Mexico – or whether the stadium has a roof and air conditioning.