Jurgen Klopp on World Cup hydration breaks

June 24, 2026

Former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has shared his perspective on the hydration breaks being implemented at the World Cup, expressing mixed feelings about the feature. While Klopp acknowledged that he would have appreciated having these breaks available during his coaching career, he believes their current duration is excessive. The breaks, which allow players to rehydrate during matches, have been a topic of discussion in football, with FIFA president Infantino previously stating they generate no additional revenue for the organization.

Who is affected

Jurgen Klopp (former Liverpool manager providing commentary)
Football coaches who utilize or would utilize hydration breaks
Players participating in World Cup matches
FIFA and its president Infantino
Football fans and viewers watching World Cup matches

What action is being taken

Hydration breaks are being implemented during World Cup matches
Jurgen Klopp is commenting on and critiquing the hydration breaks

Why it matters

This matters because hydration breaks represent a significant modification to how World Cup matches are conducted, affecting game flow, player welfare, and coaching strategies. The debate over their appropriate length highlights the tension between player health considerations and maintaining the traditional pace and rhythm of football matches. As a respected former manager, Klopp's opinion carries weight in discussions about whether these breaks should continue and how they might be optimized.

What's next

No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: BBC