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FIFA Mandates Hydration Breaks for 2026 World Cup Matches

3/30/2026

Summary

Story summary

Hydration breaks for all 2026 World Cup games were mandated by FIFA.
They occur midway through each half to replicate tournament conditions, even in climate-controlled venues.
U.S. coach Mauricio Pochettino criticized the breaks for disrupting game rhythm.
Belgium's coach Rudi Garcia welcomed the breaks as an opportunity for strategic discussions.
U.S. forward Christian Pulisic noted visibility issues from light-colored kits but said they were not an excuse.

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Story summary

Hydration breaks for all 2026 World Cup games were mandated by FIFA.
They occur midway through each half to replicate tournament conditions, even in climate-controlled venues.
U.S. coach Mauricio Pochettino criticized the breaks for disrupting game rhythm.
Belgium's coach Rudi Garcia welcomed the breaks as an opportunity for strategic discussions.
U.S. forward Christian Pulisic noted visibility issues from light-colored kits but said they were not an excuse.