Lionel Scaloni questions impact of World Cup hydration breaks
After 22 minutes into the game, there is a hydration break.
Lionel Scaloni, Argentina’s national team coach, discussed the hydration breaks at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. He hasn’t been fond of the idea so far.
Lionel Scaloni gives his view on the hydration break
Lionel Scaloni addressed a press conference on the Argentina national team and Lionel Messi. Scaloni also discussed the hydration breaks at the news conference. Here’s what he said.
“The interruption in the middle of each half almost feels unreal. Sometimes we only have about three minutes to talk to the players at halftime, and here we get almost the same amount of time. The idea that football is played in four periods is actually real.”
This summer’s tournament in the United States, Mexico, and Canada has been increased from 32 to 48 teams to provide more participation across the various confederations.
Matches have essentially been broken into four halves with the introduction of hydration breaks. It was bought to enable players to better manage sweltering conditions.
During matches, the breaks have mostly gone down without a hitch, with players sipping fluids while receiving tactical guidance from coaches.
However, England fans booed during the breaks during their team’s first match against Croatia on Wednesday at the air-conditioned AT&T Stadium in Texas.
FIFA claims the intervals were implemented for player wellbeing, but broadcasters have utilised them to generate cash. It raises concerns about needless commercialisation among analysts and spectators.
Virgil van Dijk on hydration break
However, Lionel Scaloni isn’t the only one whose views on hydration breaks depict criticism. Virgil van Dijk has also made his feelings known on the break and said:
“I think for the neutral watchers on TV it’s also not great. If it’s really hot, obviously it would be good to put them in. But I think you have to look at it in every game, separately, in my opinion.”
“But I think I’ve said enough already for that.”
What did Lionel Scaloni say about the hydration break?
He says that it doesn’t feel like there is a break between the games.
When does it happen?
In the 22nd minute of each half of the game.
For more updates, follow Khel Now on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram; download the Khel Now Android App or IOS App and join our community on Telegram.
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.