Jurgen Klopp gives best take yet on World Cup hydration breaks as proposal made to FIFA

Former Liverpool head coach Jurgen Klopp has provided an alternative take on the controversial World Cup hydration breaks while suggesting a subtle change to FIFA.

Of the many rule changes which came into effect ahead of the 2026 World Cup, hydration breaks are arguably the most talked about.

Fans, pundits and players have complained that the three-minute breaks, which referees call midway through each half, stunt the ebb and flow of matches.

The breaks are used regardless of conditions as part of FIFA’s new approach to player welfare.

Netherlands defender Virgil van Dijk was the first high-profile player to speak out, with the centre-back offering his thoughts after matchweek one.

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Van Dijk said: "I think hydration breaks are really interesting. I was obviously watching almost all of the games up until today. I think every time we go to commercials, it's not really something that I like.

"For the neutral viewers 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 every game separately, in my opinion. But I think I have said enough already on that."

The 34-year-old’s comments appeared to act as a catalyst for several other players and managers to voice their frustrations with the new rule, with England boss Thomas Tuchel claiming the breaks “interrupt and change the identity of a football match”.

“I had hydration breaks before when it was really, really hot and needed, but they were shorter,” he said.

“They were shorter and they were just in a few matches. In the interests of fairness here, it is now done in every match for every team.

“It breaks the match almost in four quarters. And I think it changes the characteristic of the match more than I thought.”

Meanwhile, France forward Kylian Mbappé offered a softer take on the matter, with the Real Madrid man suggesting players should not have an opinion due to being “very reactionary”.

Mbappé explained: “If tomorrow we’re dominating in the 25th minute and there’s a hydration break, we’ll be angry because it breaks our rhythm. But if the weather is hot, or we’re being dominated, I’ll be happy.”

Klopp suggests FIFA make hydration break alteration

Now, Klopp, who has been working as a pundit for German television throughout the tournament, has provided an interesting take on the matter, even saying he would welcome the pauses in play if he were still a manager.

He said: “It’s really hot and it’s good for the players.

“Is it good for the coaches? Yeah, I would have loved it. Maybe it’s a little bit too much right now.

“It’s definitely too long because, for drinking, you don’t need two and a half minutes or whatever.

“But that’s the thing. It’s got its use, and when you are in the stadium, it’s OK because you get a little bit of a show — in Dallas with the cheerleaders, which I enjoyed on the big screen.

“It’s completely fine, but I understand when you sit at home and then the commercials start… but being my age, it is a welcome break to go to the toilet!”