Virgil van Dijk has made it clear that he is no fan of mandatory hydration breaks at the 2026 World Cup, something fans can certainly relate to.
The 34-year-old skippered the Netherlands to a 2-2 draw with Japan on Sunday evening, opening the scoring with a typically well-taken header.
Ryan Gravenberch also assisted twice on the night, but the two Liverpool players were unable to get all three points, conceding a second equaliser late on.
There was one ‘hydration break’ in each half, as is the case in every World Cup game this summer, despite it being played in Dallas’ air-conditioned stadium.
The breaks are something that viewers have found frustrating, as they have taken the rhythm out of matches and have not always been needed.
¡Van Dijk no es muy fan de las pausas de hidratación! ????
Virgil dejó muy clara su postura sobre los polémicos Cooling Break durante los partidos de la Copa del Mundo.#TNTSports2026 pic.twitter.com/Hhi3OcFGQB
— TNT Sports México (@tntsportsmex) June 15, 2026
Speaking to the media, Van Dijk discussed the need for them, making it fairly obvious that he doesn’t like them and believes they are partly designed for advertising purposes.
“I think hydration breaks are really interesting,” Van Dijk said.
“I was obviously watching almost all of the games up until today. I think every time going to commercials is a bit, not really something that I like.
“I think for the neutral watchers on TV it is also not great. So if it is really hot 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 have said enough already on that.”
Virgil van Dijk’s start to 2026 World Cup
Virgil Van Dijk of Netherlands and team mates applaud the fans after the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group F match between Netherlands and Japan at Dallas Stadium (Credit: Craig Mercer/ Alamy Live News)
Van Dijk may not have beaten Japan, but despite criticism in the Dutch media, it was a strong start to the World Cup for him, opening the scoring and winning the player of the match award.
He was typically commanding at the heart of the defence, with no player making more defensive contributions than his tally of nine, per FotMob.
It was also good to see Gravenberch excel in midfield after a tough season for Liverpool, with his assist for Crysencio Summerville’s goal displaying his technical brilliance in tight spaces.
DORTMUND, GERMANY - Wednesday, July 10, 2024: Netherlands' captain Virgil van Dijk leads his side out before the UEFA Euro 2024 Semi-Final match between Netherlands and England at the Westfalenstadion. England won 2-1. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
He looked more at ease alongside Barcelona‘s Frenkie de Jong compared to the ailing Alexis Mac Allister, and he had more attacking freedom to express himself.
For Van Dijk, it is business as usual as he approaches his 35th birthday, with the Liverpool captain still playing at a remarkable level.
While his absolute peak may have passed, he remains as good as any centre-back at the World Cup, and will have to be outstanding if the Netherlands are to have a chance of winning it.