Ghana coach Carlos Queiroz calls for FIFA review of controversial World Cup cooling breaks

Ghana head coach Carlos Queiroz has called on FIFA to review the use of mandatory cooling breaks at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, urging football's governing body to consult coaches and players before deciding whether the measure should remain part of future tournaments.

The Portuguese coach stopped short of criticising the policy outright but said all stakeholders should be heard once the competition concludes.

The cooling breaks, introduced to protect players from extreme heat, require referees to stop play for three minutes around the 22nd minute of each half. While intended as a welfare measure, they have also created tactical opportunities for coaches and additional commercial breaks for broadcasters.

Speaking ahead of Ghana's World Cup opener against Panama, Queiroz said now was not the time to question the decision but insisted FIFA should conduct a thorough review after the tournament.

"Let's enjoy this competition. The decision is made, it's done," Queiroz said.

"It doesn't matter now to express one opinion on top of something that is a fact."

Instead, the veteran coach wants FIFA to produce what he described as an "integrity report" once the World Cup ends.

"What I expect is that, at the end of the World Cup, the people responsible for these decisions make an integrity report and listen to all parts of the game."

Queiroz stressed that football decisions should be driven primarily by those directly involved on the pitch.

"This is a game of players. This is a game of coaches. Of course, referees and officials are part of our family."

While acknowledging the financial realities of the modern game, he warned against allowing outside interests to influence what happens during matches.

"Marketing is part of football today and we cannot live without sponsors," he said.

"But I come from a generation that believed everything inside the touchlines should remain sacred. We shouldn't invite things from outside into the game, and they shouldn't invite themselves in either."

Queiroz concluded by reiterating that any future decisions affecting the sport should involve input from everyone within football before changes are made permanent.