In the next World Cup, a new protocol will be implemented aiming at the physical integrity of the participants: the hydration break. Matches will be interrupted for three minutes at the 22nd minute of each half.
This measure is crucial because high temperatures, already dangerous for dehydration in everyday situations, become an even more serious risk during intense physical exercise.
The International Football Federation (FIFA) declared that the interruption was established with the main objective of ensuring the best possible conditions for the players.
“In all matches, regardless of the location, stadium structure or temperature, there will be a three-minute break for hydration. It will be three minutes from the opening whistle to the final whistle in both halves”, explained Manolo Zubiria, director of US Tournaments for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, when announcing the initiative in December 2025.
Health experts reinforce that this brief rest is essential to avoid a complete collapse of the athletes’ bodies during the games.
Gilberto Ururahy, a doctor specialized in preventive medicine at the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ) and honorary member of the Brazilian Academy of Rehabilitation Medicine, details that stopping is essential as it breaks the body’s continuous heating cycle.
He further explains that, in a football match played under extreme conditions, the athlete loses large volumes of sweat without adequate time for replacement. The mandatory break allows the player to hydrate, temporarily reduce their heart rate, and provide relief to their cooling system.
- In our report, you will find more information about:
- The impacts of intense heat on players’ bodies
- What are the main signs of overheating of the body
- The relevance of the hydration break
- How hydration should be carried out throughout the match
The impact of high temperatures on athletes during games
With the clashes scheduled between the end of spring and the beginning of summer in the northern hemisphere, it is very likely that the athletes will face high temperatures. The effects on the body tend to be significantly more intense, considering the great physical effort required.
In extreme heat scenarios, especially during vigorous physical activity, the body intensifies sweat production in an attempt to lower its internal temperature.
Ururahy warns that, at these moments, the big problem is the loss of water and crucial minerals, such as sodium and potassium, which occurs along with sweat.
Consequently, blood volume decreases, the heart is forced to speed up to maintain circulation, and body temperature begins to rise dangerously. He compares the situation to a car engine overheating with running out of coolant.
Michele Trindade, nutritionist and vice-president of the Brazilian Sports Nutrition Association (ABNE), adds that, at these times, a type of circulatory conflict occurs.
This is due to the fact that the heart needs to accelerate its beats while the oxygen demand of the muscles remains high.
- Such a scenario can have several negative consequences for the player’s health. Among the risks most highlighted by experts are:
- Cramps
- Heat exhaustion
- Heat stroke
Furthermore, they point out that extreme heat increases the risk of muscle injuries, as a heated and dehydrated muscle becomes more susceptible to tears.
Body Challenges: Identifying the Signs of Overheating
Even the most subtle signs during the course of the match can signal that something is not right with the body, with discomfort being the first warning indicator.
Gilberto lists that, when the heat starts to be dangerous, symptoms such as dizziness, excessive muscle weakness, nausea, intense headaches, mental confusion, hot and dry skin appear (when the body can no longer sweat) and even fainting.
This symptomatic condition described by the doctor is also classified as thermal exhaustion, which occurs when there is an excessive loss of salts (electrolytes) and liquids caused by heat.
How a short break helps with recovery and performance
Given so many potential negative impacts that high temperatures can have on the body, taking a hydration break during games in hot climates becomes imperative for the safety and health of athletes.
In addition to allowing the player to drink fluids, the stoppage is vital because it interrupts, even if for a brief period, continuous physical effort.
Michele analyzes that the break (known as *cooling break*) is crucial to stop the production of metabolic heat. She explains that, in football, repeated *sprints*, sprints, changes of direction and physical contact generate an immense internal thermal load. The pause allows blood to return from the periphery to the central core and muscles, as well as offering the critical opportunity to replenish plasma volume.
Ururahy also observes that it is “like giving the engine a breather to cool down before it melts”.
Even if the break only lasts three minutes, this time is enough for the body temperature to decrease, relieving cardiovascular overload and allowing the body to recover at a minimum.
Another important aspect is that this small moment of rest can contribute to a significant improvement in performance throughout the match.
This happens because, when a player is dehydrated, he suffers a loss in the ability to make quick decisions, a decrease in strength, a worsening in motor coordination and an increase in reaction time.
The expert notes that the break allows the athlete to restore, even partially, their physical and mental functions. With this, he is able to maintain a more consistent pace during the game, preventing abrupt drops in performance in the second half.
Proper hydration strategies during matches
As it is a context of intense heat and exercise, the necessary hydration is not as simple as day-to-day hydration; in other words, water alone is not enough when sweat loss is very high.
Professionals explain that, although water is essential for hydration, it is not capable of replacing the mineral salts that are lost.
Ururahy recommends that the ideal is to consume drinks that contain electrolytes, such as sodium and potassium.
They also state that there is no exact amount of liquid that each athlete should consume during the break, but it is advisable that the player drinks enough to quench their thirst and create a certain reserve.
Trindade mentions that there is no universal value, but for three-minute breaks, it is suggested to drink 200 ml to 400 ml of cold sports drinks, which also help with internal cooling.
