Thomas Tuchel weighs in on FIFA’s controversial hydration breaks ahead of England’s first game
England boss Thomas Tuchel has shared his thoughts on the controversial ‘hydration breaks’ that have been introduced in this year’s World Cup.
For the first time ever, FIFA announced that all 104 matches played during the tournament would have a mandatory three-minute hydration break, which - as the name suggests - gives them a chance to have a quick drink.
The reasoning behind the move is to ensure that players don’t get too parched, while playing in the US and Mexico where temperatures can soar in the summer.
Advert
However, not everyone thinks they’re a good idea, USA coach Mauricio Pochettino told BBC Sport they were 'unnecessary' unless games were taking place in 'extreme' weather, while former Liverpool boss Jürgen Klopp has said they can disrupt the flow of a match.
Meanwhile, some football fans have claimed the forced breaks are little more than a sneaky way to get some extra ads in mid-game.
Viewers watching the opening Mexico v South Africa match on Fox Sport were quick to criticise the broadcaster's decision to blast commercials during the three-minute pauses, with feeds cutting back to the match seconds after play resumed.
Now, Tuchel has shared his thoughts on the short breaks ahead of England’s opener against Croatia in Dallas tonight.
“It will be a good problem to have if we go into the hydration break and we are leading,” he commented.
“We need to adapt to that, and in terms of fairness, every match has the hydration break as a chance to regroup.
“It gives you the chance to change and reset. We will use them as a hydration break, but it will not be needed tomorrow; it will be needed when we are outside and we are hot.”
Tuchel went on to acknowledge that the heat had impacted the team but said he doesn’t think they need to adapt their style of play just yet.
"Yesterday, it was very hot even here in training," he continued.
"And we could feel that it has a more impact than, for example, today. So let's see.
"I'm just not ready to adapt into a different style of football because of circumstances that we cannot influence. I think we would just give up our strengths."
What has FIFA said about the hydration breaks?
FIFA has stated that the breaks are in place to prioritise 'player welfare'.
"For every game, no matter where the games are played, no matter if there’s a roof, (or) temperature-wise, there will be a three-minute hydration break. It will be three minutes from whistle to whistle in both halves," Manolo Zubiria, Chief Tournament Officer, USA, for the FIFA World Cup 2026, said of the move.
New rules for the FIFA World Cup 2026
This year, there’s been a whole host of rule changes, many of which are designed to speed up the game and penalise players who drag things out. Some of the new regulations are likely to prove controversial.
10-second substitution
Subbed players now have to get a move on and leave the pitch within ten seconds by the nearest exit point. If they haven’t, their replacement will get held up by one minute until the next stoppage of play, and until then, their side will have to play with 10 men.
5-second throw-ins and goal kicks
If a referee thinks a player is taking too long for a throw-in or goal kick, they’ll start a five-second countdown, by which time the ball needs to be back in play. If it’s not, for throw-ins the opposing team will get their own throw-in, or for a goal kick the other side gets a corner.
Injured players to remain off the pitch for one minute
An injured player treated by medical staff off-field has to stay off the pitch for one minute, leaving their side with just 10 players.
More VAR
VAR can now be used to review an incorrectly awarded corner kick; second yellow cards resulting in a red card; when a player is incorrectly awarded a yellow or red card for another player’s actions; and any attacking fouls that occur before the ball is in play.
Players can’t cover their mouths
Players who cover their mouths in confrontational situations will be handed a red card. It’s believed players might cover their mouths to guard against lip readers while racially abusing other players, which some suspect has happened in the past.
Red cards for players leaving the pitch
Any player who leaves the pitch in protest over a referee’s decision will be handed a red card, and if a team walks off and causes a match to be abandoned, they’ll forfeit the game.
Claire Reid