Nutritional supplements have become essential for soccer players in their quest for physical and cognitive performance, especially in preparation for the 2026 World Cup in Mexico, the United States and Canada.

Soccer players use energy supplements before the match, isotonic drinks during and recovery shakes after the match. Nutritional needs are so high that they cannot be met with regular food alone.

“There are supplements to give energy that are taken before the game, others for hydration that are taken during and others after to recover,” explains Bárbara Sánchez, president of the Association of Dietitians-Nutritionists of Spanish Soccer Teams (ADNEFE), in an interview with EFE Health.

Among the most common supplements are those based on carbohydrates, such as gels and bars, and creatine, which improves strength and power. These elements are crucial to optimize both physical performance and recovery.

Prevention and treatment of cramps

Footballers often turn to vinegar preparations to treat cramps, although their use does not prevent injuries and should be handled with care. These supplements temporarily relieve pain without addressing the underlying cause.

When asked if the use of supplements is common in elite soccer players, Sánchez emphasizes that it is. "It is very common in elite athletes, in all disciplines; even in amateur athletes, they are used on a daily basis."

Creatine is probably the most used supplement in all sports and also in football. It is not something that is used specifically for the game, but rather it is something that is taken every day. Soccer players take it for 10 or 11 months a year. It serves to improve strength and power, in addition to helping muscle recovery and cognitive level.

Vinegar-based supplements have also been used for years. Something that is not so new, what happens is that when these international events occur, people pay more attention. Carlos Alcaraz also made the news in tennis, who also took it during matches, EFE recalls.

Actually, what you are taking is something very acidic, there are also wasabi-based ones, even mustard-based ones, and it is a neuronal response to muscle cramps. If you take something very strong, at that moment that neuronal connection is broken, that overexcitation of the motor neurons, and what we achieve is that that cramp stops and that is very fast.

To all this, it is essential to use supplements that are supported by scientific evidence. Misunderstanding about its use can lead to side effects, which underlines the importance of professional guidance from a sports nutritionist.

What about hydration breaks?

The hydration break is done in all leagues, it has been done in Spain for a long time, in the summer months, EFE points out. This is because spending 45 minutes at a high temperature or in a climate with high humidity, high heat, can be harmful to the players.

So hydration is extremely important, and has begun to be strongly recognized.

The hydration break in the 2026 Soccer World Cup, around minute 20-22, is done as a quick one-minute break so that the players who are furthest from the bench can get closer, pour water over themselves, rehydrate and drink this isotonic drink.