Netherlands star Virgil van Dijk was asked about the World Cup hydration breaks, which have disrupted the flow of games and frustrated fans during the group phase
15:07, 15 Jun 2026
Virgil van Dijk during the Netherlands vs. Japan at the 2026 World Cup
Virgil van Dijk during the Netherlands vs. Japan at the 2026 World Cup(Image: Stefan Koops/EYE4IMAGES/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Liverpool and Netherlands captain Virgil van Dijk says he doesn't like hydration breaks being in every World Cup fixture — with a game-by-game assessment of whether they are required a better solution.
Many have suspected that the drinks breaks are there as an excuse to insert an advert for television viewers in the United States. At the very least, they can change the momentum of matches in key periods and turn a game from two halves into four quarters.
"I think hydration breaks are really interesting," Van Dijk said after the Netherlands drew 2-2 with Japan. "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."
While Van Dijk scored, the Dutch were unable to hold out for the win. Daichi Kamada netted late on to level things and deny Ronald Koeman's men the three points, which didn't go down well.
Virgil van Dijk scored the opener for the Netherlands against Japan in the World Cup group stage clash
Virgil van Dijk scored the opener for the Netherlands against Japan in the World Cup group stage clash(Image: (Photo by Roy Lazet/Soccrates/Getty Images))
"I have to be honest: I was quite shocked by Van Dijk," the former Netherlands, Real Madrid and Tottenham midfielder Rafael van der Vaart said in the NOS studio at the half-time break.
"With him, I thought, 'That doesn’t look good.' Especially while turning. It is proving very difficult. A bit like a Boeing 747 turning. I hope he starts turning a bit faster during the tournament."
In the United Kingdom, though, Roy Keane had a different opinion on Van Dijk, praising him for his opening goal.
"It was obviously a brilliant delivery from Ryan Gravenberch, and we know how good they are from set-pieces," Keane said on ITV Sport's coverage of the game.
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"Van Dijk is obviously on a good run of form in terms of scoring goals. He’s had a tough season. Some of the deliveries tonight from set-pieces weren’t great, but when it comes back to Gravenberch...
"We saw Japan dropping deeper and deeper and once it goes in it’s an absolutely fantastic header from Van Dijk. He’s such a goal threat, brilliant finish. Going in off the post, brilliant. The way he guided it, there’s no pace in it, but fantastic header.
"Poor defending, Japan are dropping deeper, but it’s beautiful, he’s seen it all the way. Lovely, lovely finish and they were in total control at this stage."