Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni expressed criticism of the newly introduced hydration breaks at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, citing them as a factor that disrupts the flow of matches under challenging conditions. Speaking at a news conference on Sunday, Scaloni emphasized that no group stage games are straightforward, especially given the tournament’s expansion to 48 teams and the often demanding environmental factors such as heat.

FIFA implemented the hydration breaks to address player welfare concerns related to physical exertion in hot climates. The protocol mandates a pause approximately 22 minutes into each half, during which players can hydrate. This effectively divides the game into four segments rather than two continuous halves, a format familiar in American sports such as basketball and football.

Scaloni remarked that this adjustment alters the traditional rhythm of matches. “It’s four quarters then in the half-time we have just three minutes to talk to players between them coming in and going back,” he said, adding that the continuous interruptions feel unusual but may eventually become standard practice. The coach suggested that the breaks prolong the overall match time and fragment the game’s momentum.

The introduction of hydration breaks has drawn mixed reactions from other coaches as well. Uruguay head coach Marcelo Bielsa strongly criticized the change, asserting that the breaks take away from the sport’s character and disrupt football’s inherent flow. Bielsa referenced concerns about the breaks having commercial motivations, noting that fans have reacted negatively—particularly in stadiums with roofs—where hydration stoppages have been met with boos. He also pointed out that broadcasters appear to benefit by inserting additional advertising during the pauses, drawing parallels to quarter-based formats in U.S. professional leagues.

Bielsa’s comments reflect a broader tension between efforts to prioritize player health and the desire to maintain the traditional continuous nature of football. He acknowledged repeated criticisms from various sources and expressed agreement with them, suggesting the decision may have prioritized considerations beyond the sport itself.

Uruguay, who drew 1-1 with Saudi Arabia in their opening match, is scheduled to face Cape Verde later Sunday in Miami. Meanwhile, the ongoing debate over hydration breaks is likely to continue as teams and fans adapt to the new tournament conditions.