The 2026 FIFA World Cup will look a little different next year.
Thanks to built-in “hydration breaks” in each half.
FIFA confirmed the addition to the upcoming World Cup over the weekend, stating that the decision “prioritises player welfare throughout next summer’s tournament co-hosted by Canada, Mexico, and the United States.” Under the format, the referee will stop the match 22 minutes into each half to allow players to hydrate during a three-minute break.
This follows a similar initiative that was used at the Club World Cup this year. Matches were played in the United States this past summer, and breaks were implemented 30 minutes into each half. However, according to FIFA
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