In the 2026 World Cup there is an issue that has generated a lot of controversy. The “cooling break” or hydration time has bothered sports purists. Javier Aguirre, Mexico coach, does not reject this implementation.

The main criticism of this hydration time is that the pace of the game is cut and FIFA and various official media take advantage of this space to show advertisements.

The “cooling break” is not something new. These interruptions have been implemented in matches in which weather conditions greatly affect the players. The issue is that these pauses are generally broadcast by the media, they last much less and are a space that allows analysis of the game.

Javier Aguirre offered his perspective from the bench. The Mexico coach considers that hydration time is a good time to give personal instructions to the footballers. It is the ideal time to correct as you go.

"I really think we take advantage of the regulations, they don't let you enter the field, but if they let you receive the instructions, we have already done it in other countries. You take the opportunity to correct, I don't think it is a bad thing for the coaches, you call a player and correct, within the regulations, we try, apart from hydration, to give a message, or an indication. There is so much technological evolution, that from above they send you messages, it's not bad," said Javier Aguirre.

The norm of hydration time

For the 2026 World Cup, the “cooling break” was permanently established for all matches of the tournament. This will occur in all 104 World Cup matches regardless of weather conditions.

Each half will have an interruption. In the first half the game will be interrupted in the 22nd minute; In the second half he will be intervened in the 67th minute. The hydration time lasts exactly 3 minutes. This lost time will be added to the final addition determined by the fourth referee.