Van Dijk Criticises FIFA’s Hydration Break Rule At 2026 World Cup

Netherlands captain Virgil van Dijk has questioned FIFA’s decision to introduce mandatory hydration breaks at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, arguing that the measure should only be used in matches played under extreme heat.

Naija News gathered that the Dutch defender voiced his concerns after the Netherlands’ opening match against Japan in Dallas, where his side surrendered the lead twice in a pulsating match. Van Dijk found the net but also faced criticism for aspects of his defensive display.

Speaking after the match, the Liverpool centre-back suggested that hydration breaks should not be applied uniformly across every fixture.

“Hydration breaks are a bit interesting because I was obviously watching almost all the games, up until today and every time going to a commercial is a bit… not really what I like,” said Van Dijk when asked about the controversial rule.

“I think also think that for the neutral watchers on TV it’s also not great. So if it’s really hot it would be good to put them in, but you have to look at it in every game separately in my opinion.”

The match in Dallas was reportedly played in temperatures of around 20 degrees Celsius, prompting Van Dijk to question whether such interruptions were necessary under relatively mild conditions.

“I think I’ve said enough already on that,” he added with a rueful smile.

FIFA’s handling of the expanded World Cup has attracted criticism from supporters since the tournament began. Concerns have centred on commercialisation and the financial demands placed on fans.

Ticket prices dominated the discussion in the build-up to the competition and reports of empty seats during several opening fixtures have fuelled further debate.

Questions have also been raised over attendance figures, with some official numbers appearing at odds with what spectators and television viewers observed inside stadiums.