During breaks for hydration in the FIFA World Cup matches, England’s players gather with their support team to replenish their energy. These breaks, mandated by FIFA for the 2026 World Cup, last for three minutes each and occur twice per game, usually around the 22nd minute of the first half and the 67th minute of the second half.

The specific details of each team’s nutrition plan are not widely disclosed, but it is known that players consume fluids, electrolytes, and other nutritional supplements during these breaks to enhance their performance and aid in recovery. Thomas Tuchel, the coach of the England team, reportedly has his players drink a specially formulated beverage called CoreCtrl, along with a custom Lucozade electrolyte blend, to manage the heat effectively.

To combat the intense heat in America, Tuchel’s sports science team has procured a significant quantity of CoreCtrl, a thermoregulation drink created by Truefuels, a brand associated with Alistair Brownlee’s nutrition line. This beverage includes active ingredients like L-Taurine and a refreshing mint flavor, scientifically designed to help the body regulate its temperature and delay performance declines during intense physical activity.

During the breaks, England players are seen sipping from discreetly labeled fluid pouches containing a specific sodium electrolyte mix by Lucozade. Regular water is avoided in these extreme conditions as it may not effectively rehydrate the body due to rapid urine excretion. The high-sodium electrolytes in the pouches aid in fluid retention.

Additionally, the team utilizes custom ice slushies to help players cool down rapidly. Eating crushed ice is found to lower the body’s core temperature faster than just drinking fluids, stabilizing the cardiovascular system. These ice slushies are personalized with names inspired by the players, such as “Bluekayo Saka” and “Thomas Too Cool.”

Tuchel has expressed his displeasure with the mandated hydration breaks, stating that they disrupt the game’s flow and alter its essence. While he acknowledges the necessity of these breaks in extreme conditions, Tuchel believes they are excessively long and disruptive compared to shorter cooling breaks he has encountered previously.