Written by Megan Taylor, sports reporter covering international sports since 2020

World Cup hydration breaks have become one of the biggest tactical talking points of the tournament, with coaches using the pauses to reset teams during matches played across the United States.

The breaks were introduced for player welfare in hot conditions, but they have also given managers a rare in-game chance to speak directly with players. The debate matters because several matches have seen momentum shift soon after the stoppages, raising questions about whether the pauses are changing the rhythm of World Cup football.

For more World Cup coverage, read Brazil vs Haiti: Vinícius Júnior Leads Seleção To 3-0 World Cup Win, while official tournament information is available through the FIFA World Cup 2026 page.

Coaches Find A Tactical Window

In soccer, players usually have to solve problems on the field without regular timeouts, unlike the National Football League or National Basketball Association.

That has made the hydration breaks stand out, especially when teams return with clearer pressing patterns, better spacing or a sharper defensive shape. Netherlands national football team coach Ronald Koeman made his view plain.

“You can use it in different ways to your advantage and this is what we will be doing”.

The breaks have been booed by some crowds, but the health argument remains clear when matches are played in high heat.

Ball-In-Play Time Still Under Watch

The concern is that football could drift toward four-quarter control, with coaches having more chances to interrupt the flow.

Arsène Wenger has argued for more active playing time, and new rules have also tried to speed up goal-kicks, throw-ins and VAR reviews. The average ball-in-play time has reportedly dipped by about 40 seconds from 2022 to 57 minutes and 22 seconds, but the percentage has risen slightly once hydration-break time is removed.

VAR decisions have also moved faster at this tournament, with less disruption than in some recent leagues and competitions.

Expanded Tournament Adds Fresh Energy

The 48-team World Cup has also answered fears about weaker games, with Cape Verde national football team and DR Congo national football team making strong early impressions.

Cape Verde’s draw with Spain national football team stood out because they pressed at the right moments, looked to play forward and created chances. Their goalkeeper was also a major reason they came away with a result.