Virgil van Dijk has become the latest high-profile figure to criticise FIFA’s controversial hydration breaks at the 2026 World Cup, insisting he is not a fan of the mandatory stoppages that have sparked growing debate across the tournament.
The Netherlands captain made his feelings clear after watching several matches during the opening days of the competition, where every game has featured scheduled three-minute hydration breaks in each half regardless of weather conditions.
“Hydration breaks are a bit interesting because I was obviously watching almost all of the games up until today. Every time going to commercials is a bit…., not really that I like it.
“I think for the neutral watchers on TV it is also not great. So if it is really hot it would be good to put them in but I think you have to look at it in every game, separately, in my opinion. But I think I have said enough already for that.”
Van Dijk said.
The Liverpool defender’s comments come amid mounting criticism from players, coaches and supporters who believe the interruptions are disrupting the flow of matches and creating additional opportunities for television commercials.
FIFA introduced the breaks for all 104 matches of the expanded World Cup, citing player welfare concerns due to the summer temperatures expected across the United States, Canada and Mexico. However, broadcasters have also been allowed to show advertisements during the stoppages, leading many fans to question whether commercial interests are playing a role in the decision.
The controversy intensified after some matches featured hydration breaks despite being played in air-conditioned stadiums with closed roofs. Germany’s World Cup opener against Curacao in Houston prompted widespread criticism from supporters who argued the stoppages were unnecessary given the comfortable conditions inside the venue.
Van Dijk is far from alone in his concerns. Former Chelsea, Tottenham and Paris Saint-Germain manager Mauricio Pochettino has also questioned the policy, while fans across social media have repeatedly complained that the interruptions break the rhythm of matches and appear designed to maximise advertising revenue.
Broadcasters have already faced scrutiny over their use of the additional commercial windows. During the opening match between Mexico and South Africa, Fox Sports came under fire after commercials overran and briefly delayed viewers from seeing live action when play resumed. FIFA later accepted the broadcaster’s explanation and opted not to impose sanctions.
Despite the criticism, FIFA has defended the initiative as a health and safety measure aimed at protecting players during a summer tournament that could feature extreme temperatures in several host cities. The organisation announced before the tournament that every match would include mandatory three-minute hydration breaks in each half.
As debate continues to grow, Van Dijk’s intervention is likely to add further pressure on FIFA to review a policy that has quickly become one of the most talked-about issues of the 2026 World Cup.
