FIFA have mandated that all 104 matches at the World Cup will contain a three-minute-long hydration break in each half, even if the stadium has air conditioning like for the Netherlands' clash with Japan... .
FIFA confirmed last year that hydration breaks would be part of the furniture at the tournament as they look to ensure 'the best possible conditions for players' - but they are proving very divisive ....
The result leaves both teams with a point as Group F gets underway. The Netherlands showed attacking depth but also conceded from set pieces, while Japan’s response after going behind twice showed their ability to stay in the game under pressure ... .
Netherlands defender Virgil van Dijk has criticized mandatory hydration breaks at the 2026 World Cup... After the Netherlands drew Japan 2-2 in Arlington, Texas on Sunday, June 14, Van Dijk questioned the necessity of the breaks in every match.