FIFA have faced backlash for enforcing a three-minute hydration break in each half of every match at the 2026 World Cup, and there’ve been concerns that UEFA could do the same for Euro 2028

UEFA will not implement mandatory hydration breaks at Euro 2028 which is being hosted in the UK and Ireland. It follows backlash from players, coaches and supporters over FIFA’s continued use of them at the World Cup in North America.

Every match of the tournament so far has seen a three-minute break in both halves. FIFA insist that the breaks have been implemented for the sake of player welfare given the searing temperatures at many of the games, although critics believe that they’re an excuse for television broadcasters to show adverts.

But UEFA have no plans to follow suit in 2028, a spokesperson confirmed to the Telegraph. Current UEFA policy states that cooling breaks should only be made compulsory when the temperature at a match reaches above ’32C for senior competitions’.

That means the much-maligned breaks should be rare during Euro 2028. Fixtures will be played across England, Scotland, Wales and the Republic of Ireland, with Northern Ireland having withdrawn as a host country two years ago.

Get the latest World Cup 2026 news in your inbox with our Make Football Great Again newsletter

During England’s 4-2 win against Croatia at AT&T Stadium in Dallas, an air-conditioned venue, referee Clement Turpin was booed by both sets of supporters when he blew his whistle to signal the first hydration break in the 22nd minute. There were similar responses during the clash between Norway and Iraq at Gillette Stadium, Boston, where ⁠the temperature was just 23C.

Uruguay manager Marcelo Bielsa warned on Saturday that hydration breaks could change football forever. “With the new rules there are lots of goals – so be it,” Bielsa said.

“According to the general consensus, playing four periods instead of two alters the culturally constructed conception of how to interpret football. In my view, it adds nothing and takes away a lot.

What do you think of the hydration breaks? Have your say in the comments section.

“When [the match] was divided into four periods, no thought was given to the effect it might have on what makes football such a captivating sport, but instead to other repercussions which I’m neither discussing nor analysing.”

The former Leeds boss went on to say: “I’m saying that before this decision, football had one characteristic and now it has a different one. I’m saying that people fall in love with the game because of its characteristics.

“There are great successes, like the influence of VAR, which has improved the game, but this other attempt has consequences that are not positive. These aren’t just my opinions, but a general view.”

Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.

Upgrade your World Cup TV setup with the Sky Glass ‘designed for football’

This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more

from £4.50

Sky

Get the deal here

Sky is knocking 20% off its entire range of Glass TVs to mark the start of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Until June 17, shoppers can upgrade to the Sky smart TV that’s ‘designed for football’ from £4.50 per month when taken alongside a Sky TV and Netflix package.