The 2026 FIFA World Cup, hosted by the United States, Mexico and Canada, is already set to become the most ambitious edition in history. Now, FIFA has confirmed a brand-new regulation that will directly impact the pace, strategy, and physical management of every match from the opening game to the final.
It’s a mandatory change — unprecedented in World Cup play — and one that players, coaches and analysts will have to adapt to immediately.

Mandatory Three-Minute Cooling Break: A Pause in Every Half

FIFA has introduced a uniform hydration break that will be enforced at the 22nd minute of each half, lasting exactly three minutes.
What makes this rule revolutionary is its universality: it applies in every match, regardless of stadium type, temperature, or weather conditions.

FIFA explained the decision in its official communication:

“In a simplified procedure, referees will pause the match after 22 minutes of each half so players can drink.”

Tournament Director Manolo Zubiria added further clarity:

“Independent of the stadium — whether it has a roof or not — and independent of the temperature, there will be a three-minute pause. It will last exactly three minutes from the referee’s whistle.”

The only exception comes if play has already been stopped due to an injury in minutes 20 or 21; in that case, officials may adjust the timing to avoid unnecessary delays.

This is the first time in World Cup history that a hydration break becomes standardized rather than weather-dependent, offering identical conditions to all 48 teams.

Three Opening Ceremonies: One for Each Host Nation

The scale of the 2026 World Cup also extends beyond the pitch. For the first time ever, FIFA will stage three official opening ceremonies, one in each host country:

June 11 – Mexico City
Before Mexico vs. South Africa, the match that will officially open the tournament.

June 12 – Toronto
A ceremony ahead of Canada’s debut against the winner of the European playoff (Bosnia/Italy/Northern Ireland/Wales).

June 12 – Los Angeles
A U.S.-based opening ahead of United States vs. Paraguay, marking the start of the World Cup on American soil.

This triple-ceremony format underscores the continental nature of the 2026 edition — the largest and geographically broadest in FIFA’s history.

A Super Bowl–Style Halftime Show in the Final

Another first: the World Cup Final, set for July 19 at the New York–New Jersey stadium, will feature an official halftime show, similar to the tradition of the NFL’s Super Bowl.

Alongside this halftime spectacle, FIFA will also maintain the traditional closing ceremony, combining sport and entertainment to conclude what is expected to be the most widely attended and watched World Cup ever.