Van Dijk calls out FIFA's mandatory hydration breaks after Netherlands draw with Japan

Virgil van Dijk has taken aim at FIFA’s blanket policy of mandatory hydration breaks after the Netherlands were held to a 2-2 draw by Japan in their Group F opener at AT&T Stadium in Dallas on Sunday — a fully air-conditioned venue where the Liverpool captain argued the stoppages were unnecessary.

FIFA has mandated three-minute hydration breaks at the midpoint of each half across all 104 matches at the 2026 World Cup, regardless of playing conditions. Van Dijk, who got on the scoresheet in the draw, made clear he would prefer the game to flow uninterrupted when conditions allow.

“Hydration breaks are really interesting… I think every time going to commercials is a bit, not really something that I like,” Van Dijk said after the match. “I think for the neutral watchers on TV it is also not great. So, if it is really hot it would be good to put them in but I think you have to look at it in every game, separately, in my opinion. But I think I have said enough already on that.”

The Dutchman’s measured words reflect a wider frustration among supporters, many of whom feel the stoppages fragment matches into something resembling four quarters rather than two halves of football.

The breaks have also created tension between FIFA and broadcasters. During the USA’s 4-1 win against Paraguay, the fourth official was seen waiting for a signal from FIFA’s Broadcast Liaison before restarting play, with the delay attributed to commercial breaks running over. FIFA is reported to have accepted Fox’s explanation for the error.