Netherlands captain Virgil van Dijk has voiced concerns regarding mandatory hydration breaks planned for the 2026 World Cup. Van Dijk believes these breaks, implemented mid-match, will negatively impact the flow and pace of games. He suggests the breaks are disruptive to both players and the viewing experience for fans. While acknowledging the importance of player welfare, Van Dijk implies the breaks serve a commercial purpose. He hasn’t explicitly stated it, but suggests FIFA is utilizing the breaks to accommodate advertising opportunities. The 2026 World Cup, co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, will feature these scheduled hydration pauses in warmer climates. This criticism raises questions about the balance between player health, game integrity, and commercial interests at the tournament.