Bielsa. There is another intent behind the hydration breaks…and we can learn from Saudi Arabia’s defense.

Uruguay coach Marcelo Bielsa has criticized the International Football Federation’s (FIFA) hydration break for the 2026 World Cup, saying it adds nothing to football but rather undermines the essence of its culture.

FIFA introduced a three-minute time-out in the middle of each half due to the high temperatures in the US, Mexico and Canada, but the decision sparked controversy among players and coaches.

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Critics say these breaks, which effectively divide the game into four quarters, simply allow broadcast stations to take advantage of commercial breaks that are longer than two minutes.

Bielsa told reporters in statements reported by the agency Reuters“Playing twice four times changes the concept of what is culturally constructed in football. This cultural shift adds nothing, but takes away a lot. I will only say that football had distinctive characteristics before this decision, but now it has different characteristics. People are falling in love with this game because of its features.”

The Argentinian coach continued. “Of course, we praise and appreciate technology like video assistant referee. Technology provides more opportunities. But there is another intention behind these breaks, and the conclusions I present here are not really the product of my thoughts. Rather, I also repeat what I hear.”

Lessons for Confronting Saudi Arabia

In the second round of the group stage, Uruguay will meet Cape Verde.

Bielsa said his side will learn from the poor defensive block they faced in the 1-1 draw with Saudi Arabia.

He continued. “We controlled the ball a lot (against Saudi Arabia) but only created very few chances in the first half,” adding that his team already know what kind of character they need to play.

He added: “In the second half, we handled the ball with a fast, attacking and dynamic approach and a high level of movement.”