Hugo Broos shares thoughts on World Cup hydration break

Bafana Bafana head coach Hugo Broos has shared thoughts on the hydration break at the ongoing 2026 FIFA World Cup co-hosted by the USA, Mexico, and Canada.

The players partaking in the global showpiece are afforded two hydration breaks in every match, one at the halfway stage of either half to counter the hot temperatures.

However, the practice has been met with reservation from some coaches and players at the tournament, with the hiatus somewhat seen as a momentum disruptor.

While Broos understands the grave importance of the hydration break, he is not completely sold on the idea, highlighting how it can change the complexion of the game.

“I think it's very useful when it's hot because there's a dehydration of the players and it's good that after 20 minutes or so they can drink something,” said the outspoken Belgian mentor.

"But in other cases the rhythm of the game is out, so when in that moment you're the best team and you're dominating, suddenly your domination is blocked for five minutes or I don't know how long. So, I think there has to be a difference in between.

"We trained outside in the training pitch, it was hot. If you train in such circumstances I totally understand that there is a drink or the hydration pause, but not in that stadium [Mercedes-Benz].

"We don't need it, players don't need to drink after 20 minutes, but yeah, those are the rules and we have to accept it, but again, if you're dominating in that moment, it's not a good thing that you have to go to the other side and drink something.

Contrary to a host of professionals, the veteran tactician is not impressed by the state of the art Mercedes Benz Stadium, where Bafana played to a one-all draw with Czechia.

“If I can be very honest, this is not a football stadium. It's a nice stadium, fantastic stadium, everything you want, but only the grass is football, all the rest is not. It's a covered stadium, so I like to play in an open stadium,” Broos added.

"I don't feel really the atmosphere in such a stadium when you compare it to Azteca for example, that's a football stadium. So, yeah, we have to deal with it, and again, those stadiums are fantastic, first of all for the crowd.

"I think they see everything in the stadium, there is nothing blocking their view. But I would have rather liked a real football stadium.

South Africa will do battle with South Korea in a must-win Group A clash on Thursday as they look to seal qualification to the knockout stages for the first time in history.

Hlayisani Magoro

Editorfr, en

Football journalist from South Africa covering African football news, exclusive stories and key events while sharing insights with passionate fans of the game.

Related teams and leagues

South Africa

World Cup