UEFA sticks with heat-based breaks

UEFA does not plan to introduce automatic hydration breaks at Euro 2028, despite FIFA’s decision to use mandatory pauses at every match of the 2026 World Cup.

According to the FootballTweet Instagram post, UEFA’s approach is intended to protect player welfare without turning stoppages into a routine part of matches.

The European governing body already has rules for cooling and drinks breaks, but they are tied to conditions on the day rather than applied across the board. According to UEFA’s medical regulations, cooling breaks are implemented in senior competitions when temperatures exceed 32°C WBGT, or around 35°C air temperature. Other drinks breaks below that threshold remain at the referee’s discretion.

As Sports Illustrated’s Jamie Spencer described, UEFA is expected to keep that case-by-case policy for both the Champions League and Euro 2028, rather than copying FIFA’s blanket model.

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FIFA’s policy draws criticism

FIFA has taken a different route for the 2026 World Cup. According to FIFA’s own announcement, every match at the tournament includes a three-minute hydration break midway through each half, regardless of the weather or stadium conditions.

The decision has been defended on player-welfare grounds, particularly because the tournament is being played across North America during the summer. But the policy has also prompted criticism from supporters and players who believe the stoppages interrupt the natural rhythm of matches.

The breaks have effectively divided games into four shorter passages of play. In some cases, broadcasters have also used the pauses for commercials, adding to concerns that the rule may serve more than one purpose.

Van Dijk questions blanket stoppages

Liverpool and Netherlands defender Virgil van Dijk was among the players to raise doubts about the policy after the Netherlands’ 2-2 draw with Japan at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.

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Quoted by ESPN’s Jamie Barton, Van Dijk said: “Hydration breaks are a bit interesting, because I was obviously watching almost all the games up until today, and every time going to commercial is a bit … Not really that I like it.

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

Euro 2028 will keep a lighter touch

UEFA’s position does not mean drinks breaks are ruled out entirely. If temperatures at Euro 2028 create a genuine risk, officials will still be able to intervene.

The difference is that UEFA appears determined not to make those interruptions automatic. Its policy keeps the focus on weather, player safety and match conditions, rather than imposing a fixed stoppage in every game.

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At a time when FIFA’s World Cup breaks have become one of the tournament’s most debated changes, UEFA’s stance marks a clear attempt to preserve football’s traditional flow while still allowing room for player protection when it is genuinely needed.

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