Kylian Mbappe’s down-to-earth thoughts on hydration breaks at the World Cup are quickly getting a lot of attention.
Kylian Mbappé has joined the conversation about hydration breaks at the World Cup, and his honest thoughts have got fans buzzing.
Hydration breaks were introduced for the 2026 World Cup. Referees now stop the game for three minutes halfway through each half, no matter the weather. Many players, fans, and experts have shared their opinions, with some saying the breaks slow the game’s flow and energy.
After the Netherlands played Japan, Virgil van Dijk was the first player to speak up about the breaks. He said he finds them interesting but doesn’t like how they interrupt the game and TV viewers’ experience. He thinks hydration breaks should only happen if it’s really hot and that each game should be treated differently.
Former Liverpool coach Jürgen Klopp also voiced his frustration on German TV. He criticized how football is being used to air adverts during these breaks and called it “a golden cage built for sponsors,” saying the sport is controlled by executives far from the pitch.
Before France’s second group game vs. Iraq, Mbappé gave a different view. The Real Madrid star suggested players might not be the best to judge the breaks because their feelings can change depending on how the game is going. He said, “If we’re winning early and the break comes, we get annoyed because it stops our rhythm. But if it’s hot or we’re losing, we welcome it.”
Fans loved Mbappé’s honest, balanced take on social media. One said, “Great answer. He sees the pros and cons without picking sides.” Another wrote, “Mbappé is so likable if you’re not silly.” And a third said, “He always speaks thoughtfully; never says anything wild.”
The debate about hydration breaks is sure to continue through the tournament. Argentina’s coach Lionel Scaloni and Uruguay’s boss Marcelo Bielsa have also shared their thoughts recently.
After Uruguay’s surprising 2-2 draw with Cape Verde, Bielsa criticized the breaks, saying they “add nothing but take away a lot.” He believes breaking the game into four periods changes how football should be enjoyed and thinks the changes weren’t fully considered.
Scaloni, speaking ahead of Argentina’s match with Austria, said the new system “fragments the game.” He explained that with the four periods, halftime feels shorter because of the breaks, making it harder to talk to players. Still, he said teams adapt as best they can and thinks the breaks might eventually feel normal, even if they seem odd now.
So, while hydration breaks aim to help players stay refreshed, opinions are mixed on whether they’re good for the flow and spirit of the game. Fans and experts will be watching closely as the tournament goes on.