The World Cup looks different this yr not only since it’s being played across three countries, but because of a brand new addition sparking a heated debate: hydration breaks.
FIFA introduced the three-minute pauses in each 45-minute half, effectively creating 4 unofficial quarters.
Soccer’s governing body says the measure is essential to guard players from heat and humidity, with climate change creating more extreme conditions for athletes.
But some coaches and players are questioning whether the move is actually about player safety or profits.
“I feel it’s probably making some more cash for FIFA, a hydration break changed into a business break,” said Canadian defender Alistair Johnston at a news conference Tuesday in Vancouver.
The stoppages have allowed a few of the world’s most recognizable brands to squeeze in additional promoting, making Canada, Mexico and america’ first World Cup feel distinctly more business.
That shift has triggered complaints from players, coaches and fans, together with boos from the stands. Some critics see the hydration breaks as one other money grab in a tournament already facing backlash for sky-high ticket prices.
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“I feel they’re probably right to be cynical,” said Toby Mündel, a kinesiology professor at Brock University.
“It’s higher that FIFA has done something than absolutely nothing,” Mündel added. “Although they’ve done something, you furthermore mght must query why.”
FIFA faced growing pressure to make the tournament safer for athletes, who are sometimes playing during a few of the hottest months of the yr.
“Most sports are getting faster, stronger and so when you have got hot conditions during a soccer game, what it means is that it pushes a player’s physical and mental abilities to the limit,” said Mündel, who can also be Canada Research Chair in Extreme Human Environments.
But skeptics indicate that much of the tournament is being played in domed, air-conditioned venues equivalent to BC Place, while some outdoor matches have taken place in relatively mild conditions. Ghana and Panama faced off in Toronto this week with temperatures hovering around 19 C.
Ghana coach Carlos Queiroz has called for a review of the policy.
“[We have to know] if this decision was really made to guard the health and performance of the players, or if it was made to guard marketing and other issues,” Queiroz said at a news conference.
“To have a hydration break in that context is totally unwarranted, for my part,” Daniel Keir, a kinesiology professor at Western University, told Global News.
FIFA says it’s rolling out hydration breaks universally to make sure consistency across matches. However the change has frustrated soccer purists for another excuse: interrupting flow.
“It breaks up the sport. It could change momentum and provides teams the chance to regulate tactics,” Keir said.
“The coaches can gather all of the players, provide instructions, can move people around like pieces on a chessboard.”
Mündel says it’s hard to say whether it’s been a bonus or drawback for World Cup competitors, adding it relies on the sport.
The Brock University professor says there are methods apart from hydration breaks to scale back heat-related risks, like scheduling matches earlier within the morning or later within the evening, outside the most well liked parts of the day.
But that would even be a tough sell.
“That has logistical and financial implications due to television audiences,” he said.
© 2026 Global News, a division of Corus Entertainment Inc.