Marcelo Bielsa criticises World Cup hydration breaks, says they add nothing | OneFootball

Marcelo Bielsa, Uruguay’s head coach, has attacked the mandatory hydration breaks used in every match at the 2026 World Cup, arguing they take a lot away from football.

According to L'Équipe, Bielsa said splitting games into four periods rather than two changes the very idea of the sport. The FIFA-mandated pauses last three minutes to counter extreme heat and give players time to rehydrate and recover.

He argued that the consequences for the game had not been fully considered, pointing instead to other kinds of repercussions. He alluded to lucrative television adverts during these windows, which can overrun and delay the restart.

Bielsa added that the conclusions he was presenting were not his alone, but views he frequently hears and shares.

He barely discussed Uruguay’s meeting with Cape Verde on Sunday at midnight. Cape Verde drew 0-0 with Spain in their opener. In Miami, La Celeste will look to improve on their 1-1 draw with Saudi Arabia.

Source: L'Équipe