FIFA's mandatory water breaks at 2026 World Cup draw criticism from coaches and fans

FIFA's decision to mandate three-minute water breaks at the 22nd minute of each half during the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico has drawn criticism from coaches, former players and broadcasters. The breaks apply to every match regardless of weather conditions, including games played in air-conditioned, covered stadiums such as the Portugal–Spain fixture in Portugal. Netherlands head coach Ronald Koeman said coaches have used the stoppages to give tactical instructions, but acknowledged the rule could be interpreted in different ways. Early data from the first 16 matches showed goals were scored within 10 minutes of the restart in eight of those games, with Brazil equalizing against Morocco shortly after a break, and Canada, the United States, Australia, Sweden and Iran also scoring soon afterward. Former Ireland international Roy Keane objected to the system, saying the stoppages disrupt the flow and tempo of matches. U.S. broadcaster Fox has used the breaks for commercial airtime, while Spanish-language network Telemundo has chosen not to run advertisements during them.