The 2026 FIFA World Cup has introduced compulsory water breaks and advanced cooling technology to deal with extreme heat in North America. These changes have caused a disagreement between FIFA and UEFA regarding the best way to regulate the game.

2026年世界盃引入了強制性飲水時間與先進的冷卻技術，以應對北美的極端高溫。這些改變導致 FIFA 與 UEFA 在監管比賽的最佳方式上產生了分歧。

The 2026 World Cup faces serious heat challenges, with climate scientist Dr. Donal Mullan stating that about 90 percent of stadiums could reach dangerous temperatures. To protect players, FIFA ordered three-minute water breaks in every match. However, some people disagree with this rule. For example, Uruguay coach Marcelo Bielsa argued that these breaks change the culture of football by breaking the game into parts and destroying its traditional flow. Additionally, the players' union, FIFPRO, has suggested that matches should be postponed if temperatures reach 82°F.

2026年世界盃面臨嚴重的高溫挑戰，氣候科學家 Donal Mullan 博士指出，約 90% 的場館可能會達到危險溫度。為了保護球員，FIFA 要求每場比賽必須有三分鐘的飲水時間。然而，部分人士並不認同這項規則。例如，烏拉圭總教練 Marcelo Bielsa 主張，這些休息時間將比賽切分，破壞了傳統的流暢度，從而改變了足球文化。此外，球員公會 FIFPRO 建議，若溫度達到 82°F，比賽應予以延期。

These mandatory breaks have also created commercial and tactical problems. Some critics pointed out that broadcasters, such as Fox, use these breaks for advertisements, suggesting that player safety is being used to make money. Furthermore, coaches are using the pauses to change their tactics, which affects the natural momentum of the match. Because of this, people disagree on whether the breaks are necessary medical tools or artificial interruptions.

這些強制性休息時間也造成了商業與戰術上的問題。部分批評者指出，如 Fox 等轉播商利用這些時間播放廣告，暗示球員安全被用來獲利。此外，教練利用暫停時間調整戰術，影響了比賽的自然氣勢。因此，人們對於這些休息時間究竟是必要的醫療手段還是人為干擾而存在分歧。

To cope with the heat, national teams are using their own technology. The England team, led by Thomas Tuchel, uses special equipment like UV-filtering hoodies for staff, cooling devices for the palms, and cooling jackets. These tools help lower body temperatures and reduce stress on the players. Meanwhile, UEFA has chosen a different path for Euro 2028. Instead of fixed breaks, UEFA will only order a break if specific temperature thresholds are met. By using scientific data rather than a set schedule, UEFA hopes to protect players while keeping the game's continuity.

為了應對高溫，各國家隊均使用各自的技術。由 Thomas Tuchel 領軍的英格蘭隊使用特殊設備，如供工作人員穿著的抗 UV 兜帽衫、掌心冷卻裝置及冷卻背心。這些工具有助於降低體溫並減輕球員壓力。同時，UEFA 為 2028 年歐國盃選擇了不同的方向。UEFA 將不再採取固定休息時間，而僅在達到特定溫度閾值時才要求休息。透過使用科學數據而非固定時間表，UEFA 希望在保護球員的同時，維持比賽的連續性。

While FIFA has chosen a standard system of water breaks due to record heat, UEFA plans to use a flexible, data-based system to balance player safety with the traditions of the sport.

雖然 FIFA 因破紀錄的高溫而選擇了標準化的飲水時間制度，但 UEFA 計劃使用靈活的數據導向系統，以平衡球員安全與運動傳統。