Source:REUTERS/Jeenah Moon
[Saba Sports News] Recently, FIFA officially announced that the 2026 World Cup hosted by the USA, Canada, and Mexico will implement new rules, including three minutes of hydration breaks during both halves of the match. Regardless of weather conditions, temperature, or whether the stadium has a roof, the referee will pause the game for three minutes around the 22nd minute of each half, providing players with a “hydration break.” This measure draws from the experience of the 2025 Club World Cup but simplifies it, aiming to ensure that all participating teams enjoy completely equal competitive conditions in all matches.
In terms of event operations and entertainment presentation, FIFA confirmed it will break tradition by hosting three opening ceremonies: in addition to the opening ceremony on June 11 in Mexico City, separate opening ceremonies will be held on June 12 in Toronto and Los Angeles to celebrate the first appearances of the other two host countries.
Notably, the final at MetLife Stadium in New York-New Jersey will historically introduce a “halftime show” for the first time. The Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center in Dallas has been selected as the International Broadcast Center, expected to accommodate around 2,000 media representatives, while the event operations center and referees’ headquarters will be based in Miami. FIFA emphasized that the overall schedule design has fully considered the need to reduce travel for teams and maximize rest time.