England manager, Thomas Tuchel, has criticised the mandatory hydration breaks introduced at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, saying the stoppages are significantly affecting the rhythm and identity of matches.
Speaking ahead of England’s Group L fixture against Ghana, Tuchel said the enforced pauses have had a stronger influence on games than he had anticipated.
“I think that it interrupts and changes the identity of a football match much more than I thought,” the German coach said. “It breaks the match almost into four quarters and changes the characteristic of the match.”
FIFA introduced compulsory three-minute hydration breaks in each half of World Cup matches as part of efforts to safeguard players from extreme heat conditions across the United States, Canada and Mexico.
The rule is being applied universally, regardless of stadium conditions or weather variations, in order to maintain consistency across the competition.
Tuchel, however, argued that while the breaks may offer coaches extra time for tactical adjustments, they ultimately interfere with the natural flow of the game.
“I like football when it is played in one go. It builds momentum, and momentum is part of the game. It is hard to build and keep momentum when the game stops,” he said, adding that the breaks “take away” from what makes football unique.
The hydration-break policy has emerged as one of the most debated regulations of the tournament.
While medical experts and supporters of the rule insist it is vital for preventing heat-related health risks, critics say it disrupts match intensity and creates additional commercial advantages for broadcasters. Some supporters at various venues have also reportedly expressed frustration by booing when the stoppages are announced.
Despite his criticism, Tuchel acknowledged that the rule is applied equally to all teams and is intended to prioritise player welfare.
England, who began their campaign with a 4-2 win over Croatia, will face Ghana knowing another victory could secure early qualification for the knockout stage.
