Quick answer

Hydration breaks in soccer—especially at the 2026 World Cup—are mandatory 3-minute stoppages taken midway through each half , with the referee blowing the whistle to stop play at around the 22nd minute of the first half and the 67th minute of the second half (i.e., roughly halfway through each 45-minute half).

When exactly do they happen?

  • First half: ~22nd minute
  • Second half: ~67th minute
  • Duration: 3 minutes “from whistle to whistle” (the clock stops; play resumes after 3 minutes)

FIFA’s rule for the 2026 World Cup specifies that these breaks occur in every match, regardless of temperature, stadium roof, or location , to keep conditions equal for all teams.

Why are they being used now?

Historically, “cooling” or “drinks” breaks were only triggered by high heat/humidity thresholds (for example, when the wet-bulb globe temperature exceeds ~32°C). For 2026, FIFA standardized them as a player-welfare measure across all games, not just hot ones, citing hydration, safety, and consistency across venues in Canada, Mexico, and the U.S.

What actually happens during the break?

  • Referee stops play; players gather near their technical areas or sideline.
  • Team staff bring water/electrolyte drinks; players rehydrate quickly.
  • The match clock is paused; after 3 minutes, the referee restarts play.

Because the stoppage is fixed and predictable, broadcasters (especially in the U.S.) have used the window for TV commercials , which has sparked debate among fans who feel it interrupts the flow of the game.

Are hydration breaks used outside the World Cup?

  • Yes, but conditionally: Many leagues and tournaments allow cooling/hydration breaks only when heat indices cross set thresholds (e.g., WBGT ≥ 32°C for FIFA, or lower thresholds in some leagues like MLS).
  • Youth/amateur soccer: Hydration breaks are often encouraged or mandated by coaches/referees in hot weather, sometimes more frequently than in elite play.
  • 2026 World Cup is special: It’s the first World Cup to make them mandatory in every match , not just hot ones.

Mini timeline (typical match with hydration breaks)

  1. Kickoff – 22′: Play continues normally.
  2. ~22′: Referee stops play → 3-minute hydration break #1.
  3. ~25′–45′: First half resumes and finishes.
  4. Second half kickoff – ~67′: Play continues.
  5. ~67′: Referee stops play → 3-minute hydration break #2.
  6. ~70′–90+′: Second half resumes; stoppage time added as usual.

TL;DR

  • When: Midway through each half (~22′ and ~67′).
  • How long: 3 minutes, clock stopped.
  • Why now: FIFA made them mandatory for all 2026 World Cup matches for player welfare and consistency.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.