Iranian players Ariya Yousefi and Saeed Ezzatollah have a drink during a hydration break during a FIFA World Cup match against New Zealand in Los Angeles, on June 15, 2026 | Image source: Reuters
before 2026 FIFA World CupClimate scientists have warned that this edition of the tournament may be among the hottest ever, given the heat and humidity of summer in the United States and Mexico. A group of scientists wrote to FIFA demanding longer vacations for players and “aggressive” cooling of the dressing room, predicting that more than a quarter of the 104 matches will be played in conditions that pose a risk of heat exhaustion.
Among the measures FIFA took in response was a mandatory three-minute “hydration break” midway through each half of each match. “In a simplified and simplified version of the break periods used in some previous tournaments, the referee will stop the match 22 minutes into each half to allow players to rehydrate,” the International Federation said. He added: “There will be no weather or temperature conditions, with the referee calling for breaks in all matches, to ensure equal conditions for all teams, in all matches.”
Published – June 17, 2026 at 10:17 AM IST
