Australian soccer coach Tony Popovic consulted with Australian Football League (AFL) counterparts to refine his team’s strategy for managing hydration breaks during matches at the FIFA World Cup. These mid-half breaks, a new feature of the tournament, presented a challenge for maintaining player focus and momentum. Popovic sought advice from AFL coaches experienced with similar scheduled stoppages in their sport. The aim was to optimize these breaks for both physical recovery and tactical adjustments. This cross-sport collaboration highlights the increasing professionalization of football and the willingness to adopt best practices from other elite athletic disciplines. Popovic believes the AFL insights will provide a competitive edge for his team during the World Cup. The specific tactics adopted have not been disclosed.