FIFA mandates TWO cooling breaks for all 2026 World Cup games
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The mega 2026 competition is set to take place in the USA, Canada and Mexico.
With a noteworthy rule change that will, for the time being at least, only apply to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, FIFA has taken a major step toward safeguarding player welfare.
There will be two assured cooling breaks in each match at the tournament, each regulated by a particular methodology.
In recent years, cooling breaks have become commonplace in soccer, especially when players are playing in intense heat. But 2026 will be the first time in this tournament’s existence that every FIFA World Cup game will include two water breaks.
The 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, which was held in circumstances akin to those anticipated for the next World Cup, set the foundation for this choice.
Cooling breaks, which are usually called in dead-ball situations between the 30th and 75th minutes, currently have no set trigger point. More precise rules will be implemented for the World Cup to improve process uniformity.
2026 FIFA World Cup is set to have two cooling breaks & in-game adverts in every game
Timing-wise, the breaks will occur about midway through each half, at roughly the 27th minute of the first half and the 72nd minute of the second. The referee is responsible for calling the stoppage; the precise moment will vary from game to game, depending on how the play is progressing.
During live coverage of World Cup matches, FIFA will let broadcasters display advertisements in the meantime. During the required hydration breaks for this summer’s tournament in the US, Canada, and Mexico, ITV will be one of the stations that can cut away.
Advertisements were formerly only allowed during halftime of games. According to The Athletic, FIFA will permit in-game advertisements following discussions with broadcast executives.
When will the cooling break take place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup?
It will take place in the first half and then in the second half.
How long will the cooling breaks be at the 2026 FIFA World Cup?
Each break will be three minutes long.
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After earning a bachelor's degree in mass media, Rajarshi began his career as a sports writer in 2019, driven by his passion for sports journalism. He has been working in the field for over six years. A devoted fan of Lionel Messi and Barcelona, Rajarshi has been involved in sports since childhood. Before turning his focus to journalism, he even represented his college at the state level. Along with covering football, he enjoys playing the game, watching movies, and experimenting with new recipes in his spare time, as cooking is one of his favorite hobbies.