FIFA President Defends Hydration Breaks Amid Criticism During World Cup 2026

FIFA's Stance on Hydration Breaks

Zurich [Switzerland], June 24: Gianni Infantino, the President of FIFA, has come forward to justify the newly implemented hydration breaks in the ongoing FIFA World Cup 2026. He emphasized that the purpose of these breaks is strictly related to the sport and does not generate any extra revenue for FIFA, as all commercial contracts were finalized prior to the tournament.

Since the tournament commenced, both players and viewers have adapted to the introduction of three-minute hydration breaks during each half of the match, occurring at the 22nd and 67th minutes. These breaks aim to assist players in managing the extreme heat conditions prevalent across North America.

Despite the intention behind these breaks, they have inadvertently created opportunities for advertisements, leading to criticism from various quarters who view it as a commercial strategy. Coaches and analysts have expressed concerns regarding the impact on game tactics and flow, noting that the match now resembles four quarters instead of two halves.

In response to the backlash, Infantino stated, as reported by a news outlet, "There is no additional revenue for FIFA, as all commercial agreements were signed well in advance. So, this is not a financial issue for us. For us, it is purely a sporting matter."

Among the critics is England's manager Thomas Tuchel, who remarked that these breaks disrupt the essence of a football match. Similarly, Uruguay's coach Marcelo Bielsa highlighted that segmenting the game into shorter intervals detracts from the sport's fundamental nature.

On the other hand, Spain's coach Luis de la Fuente and Netherlands captain Virgil van Dijk acknowledged the rationale behind the breaks but questioned their necessity in cooler environments and air-conditioned stadiums.

Infantino reiterated that the primary motivation for these breaks is to combat heat, but he also noted that in a lengthy tournament like the FIFA World Cup, which spans 39 days and may involve teams playing up to eight matches, providing players with a moment to recuperate is crucial.

"The main reason is the heat, but we also have to understand that in a competition like the (FIFA) World Cup, played over 39 days, with teams potentially playing eight matches in those 39 days, having a moment to rest is extremely important. What matters even more to us is ensuring that all teams, in every match, are playing under the same conditions," Infantino explained.

He further added that the breaks have not diminished the matches' intensity, suggesting that players have maintained a high level of performance throughout.