The South American body set the new regulations in motion, which will also feature greater audiovisual presence for the public
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Copa Libertadores 2026 began with a regulatory modification that directly impacts how the matches unfold. From the tournament's opening match, CONMEBOL implemented a mandatory rehydration break in each half, with a maximum duration of 90 seconds, a measure that will be applied uniformly throughout the entire competition.
Unlike traditional breaks, which usually depend on extreme weather conditions, this provision is fixed and won't be subject to the temperature or the stadium where the match is played. The central objective is to reinforce the physical care of the players in a tournament characterized by high demands, long trips, and constant intensity, although the scope of the rule goes beyond the physiological aspect.
The new protocol debuted on Tuesday in the match that officially opened Libertadores 2026. In La Paz, The Strongest defeated Deportivo Táchira 2-1 in Phase 1, a stage that will continue this week with the clashes between 2 de Mayo and Alianza Lima in Paraguay, and Juventud de Las Piedras against Universidad Católica de Ecuador in Uruguay, with second legs scheduled for the following week.
La pausa ya se estrenó en el partido entre The Strongest y Deportivo Táchira
According to the regulations, the referee will determine the exact moment of the interruption within each half. During the break, the players must remain on the field of play and move toward the area near the benches in order to rehydrate before play resumes.
From a tactical standpoint, the stoppage introduces an additional variable in matches where every detail can be decisive. Without becoming a formal timeout, this new interruption opens a window for coaching staffs to organize lines, adjust marking, or make quick corrections.
CONMEBOL also emphasized the impact of the new protocol on the fan experience. During the break, the broadcast will feature greater audiovisual proximity to the game. According to Article 5.1.9.2 of the Libertadores Club Manual, there will be "camera and microphone zoom-ins specific to the production team" to capture images and sounds from the field, including possible instructions from the coaches.
La medida también trae un acercamiento audiovisual para la audiencia
With this innovation, Libertadores 2026 adds an element that changes the pace of the matchand the way it's told, opting for greater physical care for the protagonists and a closer, more intimate view of the game for spectators.
