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UEFA has no plans to introduce mandatory hydration breaks at Euro 2028, as the practice at the 2026 World Cup faces growing backlash.
On the surface, hydration breaks appear to be a reasonable measure to protect players during the scorching North American summer heat. However, the three-minute stoppages midway through each half—effectively splitting a traditional two-half soccer match into four quarters—have opened the door to additional advertising at a World Cup already widely seen as prioritizing commercial gain over sporting integrity.
Broadcasters are permitted to cut away from the live feed during stoppages to air commercials, though the decision rests with each individual broadcaster. Strict regulations cap commercials at 130 seconds, a rule FOX violated during the tournament's opening match, though the network offered an explanation for the breach.
Many have also raised questions about why hydration stoppages must be mandatory in every match, even when conditions pose no real heat risk—AT&T Stadium, for instance, features a roof and full climate control. FIFA has defended the policy on grounds of consistency and integrity across the tournament, though the difference between 70F and 95F is clearly significant.
UEFA Stands by Existing Heat Stress Policy
UEFA's current policy treats dedicated fluid breaks as situational, assessed on a match-by-match basis when elevated temperatures are anticipated.
In such cases, the match delegate evaluates conditions using a digital wet bulb globe temperature (WBGT) thermometer. UEFA's stated threshold for triggering a mandatory hydration break is "32C WBGT/35C" (90F WBGT/95F), with WBGT regarded as the most reliable measure of heat stress risk during outdoor physical activity.
This approach is outlined in UEFA's standard guidelines, and a UEFA spokesperson confirmed to the Telegraph that no changes are planned for either the Champions League or Euro 2028.
Why Fans are Booing Hydration Breaks
Fans have responded with boos and jeers when referees signal hydration breaks at this World Cup, including during England vs. Croatia and Iraq vs. Norway. The England match was held inside the air-conditioned AT&T Stadium, where temperatures barely exceeded 70F.
Beyond spectator frustration at prolonged interruptions, hydration breaks have visibly disrupted the flow and momentum of matches.
The enforced stoppage during the tournament opener between Mexico and South Africa was followed by a noticeable drop in intensity after play resumed. Iraq similarly lost its rhythm in the match against Norway, conceding the opening goal shortly after the break and going on to suffer a heavy defeat.
Not all players are enthusiastic about the breaks either. Netherlands defender Virgil van Dijk described them as "really interesting" and took aim at the practice of filling the time with TV commercials.
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"If it is really hot, obviously it would be good to put [breaks] in, but I think you have to look at it in every game separately, in my opinion," he said.