Virgil van Dijk has become the first player to criticise the mandatory three-minute water breaks at the 2026 World Cup.

What happened?

The Netherlands captain expressed his frustration with the breaks after his nation's 2-2 draw with Japan on Sunday.

He stated that the breaks are 'not great' for neutral spectators watching on TV, as they lead to mid-game advert breaks.

The water breaks were introduced by FIFA for player welfare, given the sweltering conditions in some of the host cities.

Why it matters for Virgil van Dijk

Van Dijk believes that the water breaks should only be used if the conditions deem them necessary, such as extreme heat.

He suggested that the breaks should be assessed on a game-by-game basis, rather than being mandatory in every match.

What comes next?

FIFA had announced in December 2025 that hydration breaks would be mandatory in every game at the 2026 tournament, regardless of the conditions.

The decision has been met with frustration from fans, teams, and pundits, including USA boss Mauricio Pochettino and former players Juan Mata and Ian Wright.

The World Cup is ongoing, with the Netherlands set to play their next match in the coming days, and the water break debate is likely to continue.

Van Dijk's comments have sparked a discussion about the effectiveness of the water breaks and whether they should be mandatory or discretionary.

The 2026 World Cup has already seen plenty of drama and goals on the pitch, but the water break controversy has added an extra layer of complexity to the tournament.

As the tournament progresses, it will be interesting to see how the water break debate unfolds and whether FIFA will reconsider their decision.

For now, Virgil van Dijk and other players will have to adapt to the mandatory breaks, which may affect the flow of the game.

The Netherlands will be looking to bounce back from their 2-2 draw with Japan and secure a win in their next match, which will be a crucial test for the team.

Van Dijk's leadership and experience will be key in guiding his team through the challenges of the World Cup, including the water break controversy.