FIFA Implements New 3-Minute Mandatory Breaks in Every 2026 World Cup Match to Protect Players from Heat and Humidity

FIFA has decided to implement two mandatory three-minute breaks in every match during the 2026 World Cup. This measure is in preparation for the climatic conditions expected in the United States during the summer. The aim is to protect players from the effects of high heat and humidity, providing them an opportunity to rehydrate and replenish salts. These breaks will be applied in all matches without exception, regardless of the weather conditions on the day of the game, clearly indicating growing concerns about athletes' health and safety.

The United States, Canada, and Mexico will co-host the World Cup finals, which kick off on June 11 with an opening match between Mexico and South Africa. Since the tournament schedule was announced, discussions have intensified regarding the difficulty of playing in American cities where temperatures could reach alarming levels. This has prompted FIFA to enhance medical procedures to reassure teams and fans.

The international body also announced the full tournament schedule and revealed the group compositions, which are as follows:

Group A: Mexico, South Africa, South Korea, Winner of (Czech Republic/Ireland) – (Denmark/North Macedonia)

Group B: Canada, Winner of (Wales/Bosnia and Herzegovina) – (Italy/Northern Ireland), Qatar, Switzerland

Group C: Brazil, Morocco, Haiti, Scotland

Group D: United States, Paraguay, Australia, Winner of (Slovakia/Kosovo) – (Turkey/Romania)

Group E: Germany, Curaçao, Ivory Coast, Ecuador

Group F: Netherlands, Japan, Tunisia, Winner of (Ukraine/Sweden) – (Poland/Albania)

Group G: Belgium, Egypt, Iran, New Zealand

Group H: Spain, Cape Verde, Saudi Arabia, Uruguay

Group I: France, Senegal, Norway, Winner of Iraq – (Bolivia/Suriname)

Group J: Argentina, Algeria, Austria, Jordan

Group K: Portugal, Uzbekistan, Colombia, Winner of DR Congo – (New Caledonia/Jamaica)

Group L: England, Croatia, Ghana, Panama

All eyes are on the 2026 edition, considered one of the most controversial, not only due to the tournament's expansion but also because of the climatic challenges that have prompted FIFA to adopt unusual precautionary measures to ensure player safety and the quality of competition.