World Cup 2026: Salomon Kalou questions FIFA hydration breaks

Former Ivory Coast international Salomon Kalou has criticised FIFA’s decision to introduce mandatory hydration breaks at the 2026 World Cup, arguing that the stoppages are unnecessary and disrupt the flow of matches.

Speaking at a SuperSport media roundtable on Monday, the ex-Chelsea forward said players do not need scheduled pauses to stay hydrated during games.

“I don’t think it’s necessary because players can always drink water whenever they need to,” Kalou said.

He added that the interruptions break up momentum on the pitch.

“The hydration break distorts a team’s chemistry and the momentum you have built to undo your opponents. Football is about rhythm, intensity and staying focused, and those breaks can change everything.”

FIFA introduced the measure during last year’s expanded Club World Cup in the United States before extending it to the 2026 World Cup, citing concerns over extreme weather conditions across the three host nations.

Kalou, 40, enjoyed a decorated career at club level, rising from ASEC Mimosas to Feyenoord, where he scored 35 goals in 67 appearances before earning a move to Chelsea.

At Stamford Bridge, he spent six seasons and won the UEFA Champions League in 2012, alongside a Premier League title, four FA Cups and the League Cup. He later played for Lille and Hertha Berlin before concluding his career with spells at Botafogo and Arta/Solar7.

On the international stage, Kalou earned 93 caps and scored 27 goals for Côte d’Ivoire, featuring at the 2010 and 2014 World Cups and helping the Elephants lift the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations title.