Tuchel Questions World Cup Hydration Breaks
England head coach Thomas Tuchel has spoken out against the hydration breaks being used at the current World Cup, claiming they disturb the rhythm and identity of matches even though they give coaches more opportunities to intervene.
Speaking ahead of England’s second Group L clash against Ghana in Boston, where cooler weather and rain are forecast, Tuchel noted that the breaks will remain in place irrespective of conditions.
The issue has already sparked debate among England fans. During the opening match versus Croatia in Dallas — held under a roof in an air‑conditioned stadium — supporters jeered when play was halted for a hydration break.
Breaks Longer Than Expected
Tuchel admitted the impact of the stoppages has been larger than he initially thought.
“I think that it interrupts and changes the identity of a football match much more than I thought. I had hydration breaks before when it was really, really hot and needed, but they were shorter,” he said.
“They were shorter and they were just in a few matches. In the interests of fairness here, it is now done in every match for every team.”
“It breaks the match almost in four quarters. And I think it changes the characteristic of the match more than I thought.”
FIFA’s Adjustment Fuels Debate
The discussion intensified after FIFA decided to remove the second‑half hydration break during France’s 3‑0 victory over Iraq, following a weather‑related delay that suspended the game for more than two hours.
While Tuchel acknowledged the tactical advantages the pauses provide, he believes they come at a cost to the game’s flow.
“I like it as a coach, of course, because it is good to have influence and have my team together,” he said.
“Overall, though, I think I like football more when it’s played in one go in one half because it builds momentum. It’s part of the game.”
“It’s hard to build momentum, and it’s hard to keep the momentum, when there are breaks.”
“If you do not have a break, then it’s just like the battle on the field between the players and the teams. It plays out in a longer period of time. It just adds to the character of the beautiful game.”
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