FIFA’s decision to introduce mandatory hydration breaks at every match of the 2026 World Cup has drawn criticism from fans and commentators, who argue that the stoppages are disrupting the flow of games and creating new opportunities for broadcasters to sell advertising.
Under the new rules, referees halt play around the 22nd minute of each half for a three-minute hydration break, regardless of weather conditions. FIFA says the measure is designed to protect player welfare amid concerns about high temperatures across host nations the United States, Canada and Mexico.
However, broadcasters in several countries have used the breaks to air full-screen commercials, prompting complaints from viewers who say the interruptions are making football resemble American-style sports broadcasts. Some fans reported missing parts of matches after networks failed to return from advertising before play resumed.
The controversy emerged during the opening matches of the tournament, with critics accusing FIFA of prioritising commercial revenue over the traditional uninterrupted nature of the sport. FIFA maintains that the breaks are necessary for player safety and were introduced following lessons learned from extreme heat conditions during previous tournaments.
The debate is likely to continue as the expanded 48-team World Cup progresses, with hydration breaks now set to feature in all 104 matches.
