2026 World Cup: Salomon Kalou questions FIFA’s hydration break rule

Former Ivory Coast international Salomon Kalou has criticised FIFA’s introduction of mandatory hydration breaks at the 2026 World Cup, arguing the measure interferes with the flow and intensity of matches.

Speaking at a SuperSport media roundtable on Monday, the ex-Chelsea forward said players are already capable of managing their own hydration during games without the need for scheduled stoppages.

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

“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 first tested the policy during the expanded Club World Cup in the United States last year before extending it to the World Cup, citing concerns over extreme weather conditions across the three host nations.

The 40-year-old enjoyed a successful career across Europe, beginning at ASEC Mimosas before a standout spell at Feyenoord, where he scored 35 goals in 67 appearances.

His form earned him a move to Chelsea, where he spent six seasons and won the UEFA Champions League in 2012, the Premier League, four FA Cups and the League Cup.

Kalou later featured for Lille and Hertha Berlin before ending his professional career with spells at Botafogo and Arta/Solar7.

On the international stage, he earned 93 caps and scored 27 goals for Côte d’Ivoire, representing the Elephants at the 2010 and 2014 World Cups and playing a key role in their 2015 Africa Cup of Nations triumph.