Argentina coach Scaloni criticizes water breaks at 2026 World Cup

Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni said mandatory water breaks introduced at the 2026 World Cup are disrupting the flow of matches, with the game repeatedly interrupted because of heat and the cooling pauses. FIFA has required referees to stop play for three minutes at the 22nd minute of each half to ease the physical load on players. The rule effectively divides each half into four quarters, Scaloni told a news conference, leaving him only three minutes at halftime to speak with his players. Defending champion Argentina, coming off a 3-0 win over Algeria, is set to face Austria later Tuesday in its second group-stage match. Scaloni said there are no easy games in the group stage and added that the adjustment period for the new rule feels strange but players will get used to it.