FIFA banned three-minute pauses for players at the 2026 World Cup

• FIFA has banned three-minute pauses for players at the 2026 World Cup during any match, with the aim of preventing time-wasting.
• The materials state that the ban is intended to reduce the risk of heat stress for players.
• The Athletic notes the following in a piece with specific details: for FIFA’s World Cup, Extreme Heat Warning, and in context, the match will be played when WBGT readings are below the threshold specified in FIFA’s emergency care manual.

At the matches of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, FIFA officially introduced three-minute pauses for players. The materials explain that the reason players might need such pauses is that it can be necessary to take a break to avoid overheating.

The materials also say that the ban will be introduced to reduce the risk of heat stress for players. Specifically, it is stated that: I don’t like it. I only like it when the conditions are extreme, but when the conditions are good, it is unnecessary.

In the meantime, the materials say that during breaks in the USA, players can drink water to avoid dehydration. Notably, The Athletic, for FIFA’s World Cup, Extreme Heat Warning until 8 p.m. Saturday, match time with France, starts at 5 p.m.; the maximum temperature should be 100F (38C), and the range of possible temperatures can be between 105F (41C) and 115F (46C). The Athletic also notes that after 5 p.m. Saturday, thunderstorms may bring heavy rain, and the players’ heads will be protected from the rain by umbrellas.

The Athletic also says that in the event of specific conditions, the temperature is measured using the wet bulb globe temperature (WBGT) index, which accounts for temperature, humidity, wind speed, and solar radiation. That is why the materials refer to FIFA’s emergency care manual: the threshold for action is set at a WBGT value of “near, at or above 32C (89.6F)”, when it is recommended to implement medical measures.

However, The Athletic notes that due to the ongoing investigation of possible risks of heat stress, and in addition to the earlier findings, the WBGT value is expected to be below 28C.

Tags: Sport/Football