FIFA have mandated that all 104 matches at the World Cup will contain a three-minute-long hydration break in each half, even if the stadium has air conditioning like for the Netherlands' clash with Japan
Virgil van Dijk speaking
Virgil van Dijk made his stance clear(Image: beIN Sports)
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Virgil van Dijk has criticised FIFA's decision to make hydration breaks mandatory in all 104 World Cup matches. Liverpool captain Van Dijk scored as the Netherlands were held to a 2-2 draw in their Group F opener against Japan on Sunday.
The game was played at AT&T Stadium in Dallas, a venue with air conditioning. Yet at the midway point of both halves, the teams came over to the touchline for a hydration break which lasts three minutes.
If Van Dijk had his way, though, they'd have just carried on playing. "Hydration breaks are really interesting... I think every time going to commercials is a bit, not really something that I like," the Dutchman said.
"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."
Van Dijk evidently didn't want to go any further in criticising FIFA - unlike football fans. Those at home, in pubs or in the stands have been left frustrated by the breaks, feeling as if games at the World Cup are being played in four quarters.
Broadcasters have taken the opportunity to show adverts during the three-minute breaks, although ITV and the BBC have declined. During co-hosts USA's 4-1 win against Paraguay, the fourth official was seen waiting for the FIFA Broadcast Liaison to signal the restart of the match, as it was delayed by adverts.
FIFA informed broadcasters ahead of the tournament that they must return to the action 30 seconds before play resumes. However, Fox Sports flouted those guidelines in the opening game, as co-hosts Mexico beat South Africa 2-0.
ARLINGTON, TEXAS - JUNE 14: Crysencio Summerville #24 of Netherlands tales a drink during a hydration break in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group F match between Netherlands and Japan at Dallas Stadium on June 14, 2026 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images)
Both teams stop for three minutes in each half(Image: Michael Steele/Getty Images)
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After going to commercials during the hydration break in the second half, Fox were still showing adverts until 10 seconds after the play had resumed. FIFA are said to have accepted Fox's explanation for their error.
England's opening game against Croatia also takes places in Dallas and kicks off at the same time as the Netherlands and Japan's clash (9pm UK, 3pm local).
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