Hydration Breaks at Soccer Matches: A New Era

ATLANTA — On Saturday, a hydration break was integrated into a soccer game, and while that’s not entirely new, this particular instance felt different. The match took place in a climate-controlled dome, quite a shift from the hot and steamy environments typical at the club level.

This event hints at what’s to come in the 2026 World Cup. The structure of the game is evolving; matches will now integrate hydration breaks during the first half, regardless of the conditions. Interestingly, FIFA has aligned this with opportunities for broadcasters to show commercials during these pauses.

The hydration break occurred during the USMNT’s 5-2 defeat to Belgium, and it’s set to happen again on Tuesday against Portugal as part of a strategy to simulate summer conditions.

Fans at Mercedes-Benz Stadium expressed their dissatisfaction when the game halted, with noticeable boos erupting in the 23rd minute. Some spectators even chose to head out to the concourse.

This new addition also influences tactical decisions, effectively serving as timeouts for coaches to regroup their teams.

“Honestly, I’m not a fan,” U.S. coach Mauricio Pochettino remarked. “It disrupts the flow of the game. I understand the necessity in an open stadium, but here, where temperatures hover around 21 to 23 degrees Celsius, it’s quite pleasant for play. Nonetheless, it’s a rule we must accept,” he added, perhaps reflecting on the complexity of the situation.

Belgium’s coach, Rudi Garcia, had a different perspective. He saw the break as beneficial.

“I appreciate it because it gives coaches a chance to communicate strategies,” Garcia said. “We typically play in a 4-3-3 formation, and this break allowed me to convey important points to the team. It was quite positive.” It’s interesting how contrasting opinions can emerge in something as simple as a break.

During the game, the U.S. and Belgium donned bright uniforms, leading to some confusion among fans and players. While players didn’t attribute their performance solely to the kit clash, it was clearly recognized as a hindrance.

“Not an excuse, for sure, since both teams faced the same issue, but it felt odd,” said Christian Pulisic. “I only realized it once I removed my warm-up shirt. The reaction was one of surprise.”