Virgil van Dijk becomes first player to address hydration breaks at World Cup

Netherlands captain Virgil van Dijk has become the first player to address the newly introduced hydration breaks used during World Cup matches.

The Oranje got their 2026 World Cup campaign underway against Japan in Arlington, Texas, on Sunday (June 14), with several familiar names starting for Ronald Koeman’s side.

Brighton’s Bart Verbruggen started in goal, while his club-mate Jan Paul van Hecke partnered Van Dijk in the centre of defence. Spurs’ Micky van de Ven started at left-back.

Liverpool’s Ryan Gravenberch and Manchester City’s Tijani Reijnders started in midfield, while West Ham United winger Crysencio Summerville, former Aston Villa forward Donyell Malen and Cody Gakpo were among nine starters who either currently play or have previously played in the Premier League.

After a dull first half, the game kicked into life shortly after the interval, with Van Dijk’s header opening the scoring.

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However, it did not take long for Japan to draw level, with Keito Nakamura making it 1-1 six minutes later.

Summerville’s curled strike put the Europeans back ahead on 65 minutes, but it finished 2-2 after Crystal Palace midfielder Daichi Kamada nodded home with two minutes to play.

Despite the thoroughly entertaining second half, Netherlands skipper Van Dijk was asked after the match for his thoughts on the hydration breaks, which were introduced for the tournament.

Van Dijk was asked about hydration breaks after the Netherlands' draw against Japan. Image credit: Getty

Regardless of weather conditions, three-minute hydration breaks are being used midway through each half of games during the tournament as part of FIFA’s new approach to player welfare.

Referees are advised to stop the game 22 minutes into each half, allowing players to rehydrate regardless of the temperature or weather conditions.

Several players and managers have spoken out against the introduction of the hydration breaks, and it is fair to say Van Dijk is not a huge fan either.

Speaking to reporters at Dallas Stadium, the defender 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.

"I think 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 Netherlands return to action against Sweden on June 20.

World Cup hydration break introduction under fire

It’s not just Van Dijk who has voiced his concern about the hydration breaks, with former Liverpool head coach Jürgen Klopp suggesting they disrupt the flow of matches.

The German claimed the three-minute stoppages are “nothing more than a gilded cage built for sponsors”.

Speaking on German broadcaster ZDF, Klopp said:

“When I saw the players just standing there during a heat break while TV timeouts dictated the rhythm of the match, I couldn’t help asking myself: who does the World Cup really serve? The fans? The players? Or the advertisers?

“A World Cup match should flow like a river. Instead, we build dams right in the middle so commercials can get through.

“Football used to be the main event, but now it risks becoming the background music to an advertising show.”