Tuchel slams forced 'drinking breaks' at World Cup: "It's changing the identity of the game"
England coach Thomas Tuchel has opposed a mandatory three-minute drink break in each half of World Cup 2026 matches, saying it breaks the flow and "identity" of football.
England coach Thomas Tuchel has stressed his opposition to a mandatory drinking break being implemented at the 2026 World Cup, saying it changes "the identity of the good game". FIFA introduced a three-minute break in the middle of each half of the match to help teams in the expected North American heat, but it is enforced regardless of the temperature.
According to Tuchel, the flow of the match was interrupted and it seemed to be divided into four parts, something that he felt took away from the natural development of "momentum" during a half. "I've had a drink break before when it was really hot and necessary, but it was shorter and only a few matches. Now, a game is almost like four rooms and it changes the nature of the match more than I thought," he said.
Many supporters and coaches also disapproved of the rule, including Uruguay coach Marcelo Bielsa, because of its effect on the rhythm of the game and the possibility of allowing extra advertising. Despite this, FIFA insisted it was a matter of fair enforcement for all teams.
England's second Group L match against Ghana is set in Boston, where heavy rain is expected on Wednesday—a far cry from scorching heat—but the drinking break will remain in place. Tuchel admits there is benefit to having the players and staff gather for instruction, but he still prefers to play one half consistently. "I like influence as a coach, but I prefer football that is played entirely in one half. That is where momentum is built and tested. When it is cut, something is lost in the character of the game," he said.
However, Tuchel assured that they will still use the break based on immediate and appropriate response to the course of the match. "We have a plan, but not very detailed. I don't want to limit myself; I want to rely on intuition and experience, and respond to what is actually happening inside the pitch," he added.
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