Home / Sports / FIFA World Cup 2026: Four Quarters, Not Halves!
FIFA World Cup 2026: Four Quarters, Not Halves!
4 Jun
Summary
- FIFA introduces three-minute hydration breaks midway through each half.
- Match structure shifts to four quarters, similar to NBA and NFL.
- Breaks allow for tactical changes and increased commercial advertising opportunities.
For the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the traditional two-half structure is being replaced by a four-quarter format. FIFA has mandated three-minute hydration breaks around the 22nd and 67th minutes of each match, regardless of weather conditions. This adjustment is designed to benefit players and coaches alike.
These breaks offer coaches an extended opportunity to communicate strategy, address player fatigue, and make crucial tactical adjustments. Simultaneously, FIFA is leveraging these stoppages for commercial purposes, allowing broadcasters to air advertisements during the breaks, with specific regulations for sponsor visibility.
The decision has elicited mixed reactions from global coaches. Some, like USA's Mauricio Pochettino, express reservations about disrupting the game's flow, even in favorable conditions. Others, such as Belgium's Rudi Garcia, welcome the strategic advantage the breaks provide.
The World Cup final at MetLife Stadium will also feature an extended halftime show, nearly doubling the traditional interval to accommodate entertainment. This move aligns with an 'American-style' advertiser-friendly model, generating over 624 extra minutes of broadcast buffer time across the tournament's 104 matches.
