The implementation of hydration breaks during the ongoing 2026 FIFA World Cup has sparked criticism from fans and both current and former players. However, Arsene Wenger, FIFA’s Chief of Global Football Development, believes that these breaks have not disrupted the flow of the game or influenced match outcomes. Wenger also did not confirm whether hydration breaks would be included in future World Cups.
‘We have to analyse after the World Cup’: Arsene Wenger
As the World Cup final approaches, Arsene Wenger stated that FIFA is set to review the implementation of hydration breaks following the tournament. Currently, during matches, players benefit from two mandatory hydration breaks, each lasting three minutes—one in each half.
In a recent interview, Wenger was questioned about the effect these breaks have on the matches. He responded, saying, “No,” indicating he didn’t believe they significantly influenced game outcomes.
“At times, players have expressed dissatisfaction with them, and after the World Cup, we will conduct an analysis to determine their impact,” Wenger explained. He emphasized, “It didn’t seem to me that the hydration breaks altered the competition results. Our goal is to cater to the spectators of football.”
The ongoing 2026 World Cup is unique in that it is being hosted across multiple countries: the United States, Mexico, and Canada, leading to varying playing conditions. Some matches have faced extreme heat while others enjoyed cooler climates.
Wenger pointed out, “In certain matches, hydration breaks were crucial, and to ensure fairness across all games, we decided to implement them universally.” He mentioned, “After the tournament concludes, a thorough analysis will be conducted. There were instances with covered stadiums where audiences expressed dissatisfaction, yet medically, the breaks were necessary in numerous matches. We are still in the process of reaching a conclusion.”
Team Analysis
Luis de la Fuente, the head coach of Spain, and Virgil van Dijk, captain of the Netherlands, expressed support for a rule’s intended purpose but raised concerns about its practicality in colder climates and indoor venues. On the other hand, England’s Thomas Tuchel stated that the rule’s influence on games was greater than he had expected, noting that it disrupted the flow of matches.
Uruguay’s coach, Marcelo Bielsa, was particularly critical, labeling the rule as detrimental to the cultural essence of football. He stated, “In my opinion, it contributes nothing valuable and takes away a significant amount. When the match structure was altered to four periods, insufficient consideration was given to how this affects the aspects that make football so engaging, focusing instead on other consequences that I will not elaborate on.”
