Virgil van Dijk has spoken out about a rule he isn't a massive fan of at the 2026 World Cup following the Netherlands' 2-2 draw against Japan.
The Dutch captain opened the scoring for his team with an excellent header from a Ryan Gravenberch delivery into the box. However, the towering central defender then missed his header from a last-gasp Japan corner, which led to an equaliser from Crystal Palace's Daichi Kamada.
Japan manager Hajime Moriyasu Related
Japan Manager Uses Never-Seen-Before Tactic in 2026 World Cup Draw vs Netherlands
Japan were seen using an unusual tactic during their opening 2026 World Cup match against the Netherlands
Van Dijk has now joined his former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp in criticising a rule that FIFA have forced into World Cup matches this year.
Virgil van Dijk Unhappy With World Cup Rule
Virgil van Dijk | NetherlandsHannah Mckay via Reuters
After playing a big role in his country's opening-day draw, Van Dijk made his feelings clear about the hydration breaks put in place by the governing body. While drink breaks aren't a new thing, the way they're being implemented is.
Games are stopped every 22 minutes to give players an opportunity to rehydrate due to the searing temperatures at some of the United States, Canada and Mexico-based venues. These breaks must last three minutes before play can be restarted.
The Dutch captain stated the forced stoppages are not something he 'likes', having watched the other matches at the tournament before experiencing it for himself. He said during a post-match interview:
"I think hydration breaks are really interesting. I was obviously watching almost all of the games up until today. I think every time we go to commercials, it's not really something that I like.
"I think for the neutral viewers 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 every game separately, in my opinion. But I think I have said enough already on that."
Van Dijk clearly thinks FIFA should rethink the use of these hydration breaks in all 104 matches across this summer's competition. And the Liverpool superstar doesn't appear to be the only one.
Fans Back Van Dijk's Take on FIFA Rule
Virgil van Dijk | NetherlandsHannah Mckay via Reuters
Football fans from different nations came together on social media to back the sentiment Van Dijk was trying to get across. Many believe footballers must speak up about issues more to influence positive change.
"Finally, a player who talks about it. A hydration break when it's cool out makes absolutely no sense," one X user said. Another simply stated: "Good lad, players need to use their voice on this."
World Cup 2026 Quiz
You scored
↩ Play again
Many supporters are happy a high-profile player at the tournament is making his feelings clear. "He gets it," one user said. Another pointed out that the 34-year-old appeared to have more to say before cutting himself off: "A very principled man. Very happy he’s spoken up/ the fact he fears he can’t talk freely about it shows just how grimy the 'drink breaks' are."
"In fact, today they became unbearable for me. In almost every match, it killed what was being built with the teams that needed the goal, they were going to fight for it, and suddenly 'cooling break'..."
One fan even blasted Gianni Infantino while praising the Liverpool skipper, saying: "Thank you, Virgil Van Dijk for having the courage to speak the truth. The hydration breaks are not because FIFA cares about the players. Of course FIFA doesn’t give a damn; it’s just pure business to make extra money at the expense of the sport. Gianni Infantino only cares about money, money, money; he knows nothing else other than money."