Netherlands captain, Virgil van Dijk, has questioned FIFA’s decision to introduce hydration breaks at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, suggesting the stoppages may be affecting the rhythm of matches and television viewing experience.
Speaking after the Netherlands’ 2-2 draw against Japan on Sunday at the air-conditioned AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, Van Dijk expressed doubts about the need for the breaks in games played under moderate conditions.
The 34-year-old laughed when asked about the initiative before responding: “Hydration breaks are a bit interesting, because I was obviously watching almost all the games up until today, and every time going to commercial is a bit … Not really that I like it.
“I think for the neutral watchers on TV it’s also not great. If it’s really hot, obviously it would be good to put them in. But I think you have to look at it in every game, separately, in my opinion.
“But I think I’ve said enough already for that.”
FIFA implemented mandatory three-minute hydration breaks in both halves of every World Cup match following concerns over extreme temperatures experienced during last year’s expanded Club World Cup.
However, the policy has sparked debate, with critics arguing that the stoppages may also serve commercial interests in addition to player welfare.
Several broadcasters have opted to air advertisements during the breaks after FIFA approved commercial slots during stoppages in March.
The impact of the breaks on match momentum also became a talking point during Sunday’s fixtures, with Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann admitting the pause helped his side make tactical corrections during their 7-1 victory over Curaçao.
“Curacao played with a diamond today, and we adjusted how we attacked before the hydration break,” Nagelsmann said.
“But even so, there were still two or three moments where it took a little while because, at the end of the day, you actually very rarely play against a diamond-shaped team these days. It’s practically unheard of.
“Very few teams do that anymore, and we needed a bit of time. The water break was actually good to simply reiterate what we had already adjusted on the board.”
