Van Dijk Questions FIFA’s Hydration Break Rule for 2026 World Cup
Netherlands captain Virgil van Dijk has voiced his concerns over FIFA’s plan to introduce mandatory hydration breaks during the 2026 World Cup. Speaking after a recent match, the Liverpool centre‑back said the breaks should not be applied to every game indiscriminately.
“Hydration breaks are a bit interesting because I was watching almost all the games up to today, and every time the broadcast goes to a commercial it feels… not really what I like,” Van Dijk remarked when asked about the controversial measure.
He added that neutral TV audiences also suffer from the frequent interruptions. In his view, breaks should be reserved for matches played in extreme heat, with each fixture evaluated on its own conditions.
The match in Dallas, where the comments were made, was played in temperatures around 20 °C — conditions Van Dijk described as mild enough to question the necessity of the breaks.
“I think I’ve said enough already on that,” he concluded with a rueful smile.
Broader Criticism of FIFA’s World Cup Management
Since the tournament kicked off, FIFA’s handling of the expanded 2026 World Cup has drawn criticism from fans and pundits alike. Many have pointed to increasing commercialisation and the financial burden placed on supporters as major concerns.
Ticket prices have been a hot topic in the lead‑up to the competition, and reports of empty seats during several opening fixtures have intensified the debate. Additionally, doubts have been raised about official attendance figures, with some numbers appearing inconsistent with what spectators and television audiences observed inside the stadiums.
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