Argentina’s Manager Expresses Concerns Over New Hydration Breaks at World Cup
Argentina’s coach Lionel Scaloni has spoken out about FIFA’s new hydration breaks for the upcoming 2026 World Cup, stating that the interruptions could disturb the flow of the games and require teams to rethink their strategies.
Ahead of Argentina’s match against Austria in Dallas, Scaloni pointed out that these mandatory three-minute breaks, which occur in the middle of each half, can alter how the games progress and give coaches extra chances to make changes.
“There are no easy matches, especially in the group stages,” Scaloni mentioned, highlighting the challenges that come with the World Cup’s 48-team format. He added that constant breaks due to the heat and hydration could disrupt the game’s rhythm.
Initially, Scaloni suggested that these breaks might help the underdog teams, offering them a moment to regroup and strategize. “It may give weaker teams a chance to adjust,” he noted.
However, he later emphasized that such breaks can benefit both teams, especially those needing to make tactical decisions as the half unfolds. “We have only three and a half minutes at halftime to communicate with our players. These brief stops can change everything for us,” he explained, mentioning that they rely on analysts to find solutions during the match.
Scaloni admitted that getting used to this new format has been a challenge. “It feels strange now, but in time it will feel more normal,” he shared, acknowledging that the constant interruptions change the game’s flow.
FIFA introduced these hydration breaks this summer, aiming to prioritize player health amid concerns about high temperatures in host cities. These breaks are mandatory for every match, irrespective of the weather.
Coming into Monday’s match, Argentina is buoyed by their strong opening win against Algeria, where Lionel Messi scored a stunning hat-trick. Austria also enjoyed success in their first game, securing a 2-1 victory over Jordan, placing both teams at three points in Group J.
Scaloni anticipates a tough game against Austria, recognizing their strength. “Austria has excellent players and plays with intensity. They are a team to watch,” he noted, stressing the complexity of the upcoming match.
Despite some surprising results in the early round of matches, Scaloni believes the top teams will still be in contention for the championship. “The traditional powers will be in the mix for sure. This World Cup is going to be very competitive,” he concluded.
