Asamoah Gyan backs FIFA’s mandatory hydration breaks at 2026 World Cup

Former Ghana captain Asamoah Gyan has thrown his support behind FIFA’s decision to introduce mandatory hydration breaks at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, describing the measure as an important step towards protecting players’ health.

The new rule, which will apply to all 104 matches at the tournament, requires a three-minute hydration break in each half of every game as FIFA responds to concerns over extreme temperatures expected during the competition.

The breaks are scheduled to take place around the 22nd minute of each half, although match officials may bring them forward if there is another stoppage in play.

The measure was first tested during the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup in the United States, where high temperatures raised concerns about player welfare.

While the introduction of compulsory breaks has sparked debate among players, coaches and supporters, Gyan believes the priority should be the medical benefits rather than concerns about disrupting the rhythm of matches.

“Sometimes when things are going right for you, you might want that break, but what I’ve seen is about medical. Sometimes players go on the field, they become dehydrated and then they can fall down. So for me, I was thinking about the medical side,” Gyan said.

The former Sunderland and Al Ain striker, who remains Ghana’s all-time leading scorer, said football must continue to evolve to protect athletes competing under increasingly demanding conditions.

Hydration breaks have traditionally been introduced only in matches where temperatures reached certain levels or at the discretion of referees. However, FIFA’s latest decision makes them compulsory for the first time in World Cup history.

Critics of the rule argue that the pauses could interrupt the natural flow of football, with some suggesting they make matches resemble other sports that are divided into quarters.

Some supporters have also questioned whether the breaks could become opportunities for additional commercial activities, especially when advertisements are displayed during stoppages.

However, Gyan rejected those concerns, insisting that player welfare must remain the priority.

“So for me, it’s a good thing. Sometimes it’s frustrating when maybe you are trailing by a goal and they stop the game and maybe you want to go fast, which I understand, but I’m thinking about the medical side,” he added.

The former Black Stars skipper also acknowledged that teams may use the breaks strategically, allowing coaches to reorganise their tactics and motivate players during matches.

Coaches including Carlo Ancelotti and Julian Nagelsmann have previously noted that hydration pauses can provide teams with an opportunity to reset, although some traditionalists remain opposed to the change.

Gyan, popularly known as “Baby Jet”, said players benefit from the opportunity to recover and return to action in better condition.

“When you’re taking some water, you can feel fresh to continue. At least the fans will be fans. They will be wishing all these things,” he said.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be hosted across the United States, Canada and Mexico, will mark the first time every match at the tournament includes mandatory hydration breaks as part of FIFA’s wider efforts to improve player safety.