Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk has criticised FIFA’s decision to make hydration breaks mandatory in all 104 World Cup matches.
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. However, at the midway point of both halves, the teams came over to the touchline for a hydration break which lasted three minutes.
Three minutes to take a breath and relax, but if Van Dijk had his way, both teams would 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.”
Virgil van Dijk celebrates scoring for the Netherlands during their FIFA 2026 World Cup Group F match against Japan. KOEN VAN WEEL / ANP (Photo by ANP via Getty Images)
Some football fans 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 some 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.
