World Cup 2026: New rules but VAR confusion – was the diving decision correct?

When FIFA announced in December that it would introduce mandatory three-minute water breaks “regardless of the weather”, few took much notice.

After all, temperatures are expected to be high and player safety is a top priority.

Heat is not an issue yet. Three of the four opening games were played in temperatures above 20C. Canada’s match against Bosnia in Toronto – played in the afternoon – ended in 26 seconds.

It was similar to the temperature in Chicago last July, when West Ham played Bournemouth in the Premier League summer series, and then Hammers boss Graham Potter – now in charge of Sweden, who open their World Cup campaign against Tunisia in Monterrey on Sunday night (Monday, 03:00 BST) – ruled out the water cut being used then.

“I don’t know why the water break happened,” Potter said at the time. “Someone should tell me why. I figured it wouldn’t be one because I was out with a jumper.”

United States coach Mauricio Pochettino’s claims before his team’s 4-1 win over Paraguay in Los Angeles were also dubious.

“I don’t like it,” he said. “I like it only when the conditions are extreme, but when the conditions are good, it is unnecessary.”

Coaches are allowed to provide tactical instructions. IFAB rules state that the use of electronic devices is permitted “when directly related to the safety or security of players or for tactical/coaching purposes” and that the device must be small.

However, there may be another benefit – financial.

Although US network Fox was criticized for not returning to the game before the restart between Mexico and South Africa, broadcasters were seen using the slots for adverts.

“They do it for safety, but in practice we’re playing quarterback now, which I find strange,” Jagielka said.

“You basically play for 25 minutes and then stop for a little break.

“I understand – the more football, the more minutes there are. You have to prevent people from pulling muscles and allow moisture to penetrate.

“But it has to be three minutes? How long does it take? It could be one minute.”

Regardless of the exact reasons for the breaks and whether they are physically necessary or not, Jagielka feels that coaches can get a lot out of them, especially if the team isn’t underperforming.

“That three minutes can be big,” he said. “If your team is not doing well and it’s a loud stadium, it’s impossible to receive messages[for the players].

“If you’re a manager or a coach, you’ll be happy because you can get the kids together and fire as much information at them as quickly as possible.

“I’d say it’s more important than half-time. At half-time, you can show things on camera or have a big tactical view of what’s going on, but especially if your team isn’t doing well, you can change the game with what can happen in those three minutes.”