Overview
- Referees will stop play for three minutes at the 22-minute mark of both halves in every match, with the time added to stoppage time rather than stopping the game clock.
- The rule applies in all venues regardless of temperature or roofs, and coaches may use the pauses for brief tactical discussions with players.
- FIFA says the measure followed consultations with coaches, broadcasters and medical staff, and it will standardize conditions across the tournament.
- Rights-holders are weighing whether to sell ads in the new window, but Fox declined to say if it will run commercials during the breaks.
- The 48-team tournament runs June 11–July 19 across the U.S., Canada and Mexico, with full schedules and host-city assignments published, three opening ceremonies planned, and the Random Selection Draw for specific-match tickets opening Dec. 11.