Overview
- Each match will stop after 22 minutes of play in both halves for a three‑minute hydration pause.
- The breaks apply regardless of temperature, venue location, or whether a stadium has a roof.
- Manolo Zubiria confirmed the policy as part of tournament operations planning presented to broadcasters in Washington, D.C.
- Referees retain on‑the‑spot discretion to adjust timing if a nearby injury stoppage overlaps the planned pause.
- The shift replaces discretionary cooling breaks that previously occurred only above roughly 32°C and typically later and for shorter durations.