“`html
Mia Hamm, the two-time Women’s World Cup champion, has voiced her opposition to the newly implemented mandatory hydration breaks in the upcoming 2026 World Cup. Speaking with USA TODAY’s Studio IX, Hamm expressed that she is “not a fan” of the enforced three-minute pauses occurring at the 22-minute mark of each half.
During Hamm’s triumphant campaigns with the USWNT in 1991 and 1999, such hydration breaks were not part of the game. Her primary concern with the current regulation revolves around the disruption of momentum that teams build during play.
Examining the Controversy Surrounding FIFA’s Hydration Breaks
Hamm elaborated that these interruptions allow coaches to alter tactics significantly, which can shift the flow of the match. She pointed out the presence of sideline technology, such as iPads providing live tactical data, turning what should be a brief pause for hydration into a strategic consultation.
“You can make big tactical changes in those three minutes that are given,” Hamm remarked, highlighting how these breaks can influence the way a team performs on the field.
While she understands FIFA’s motivation to standardize hydration breaks across all matches—a move aimed at promoting fairness and player safety—Hamm remains critical of the timing and impact of these stoppages. Traditionally, hydration breaks were implemented selectively by referees in response to extreme heat or player welfare concerns. The new rule removes this discretion, providing a fixed schedule for breaks and allowing broadcasters to insert commercial breaks during these pauses.
Despite the rationale behind the policy, Hamm and other critics prefer that players endure the full 45 minutes of each half with any necessary stoppage time added afterward, rather than interrupting the flow mid-half. In her view, maintaining continuous play better preserves the integrity and identity of soccer.
“`