The International Football Association (FIFA) is expected to conduct a comprehensive review of the hydration break system introduced at the 2026 North America World Cup. This move comes in response to criticism that the breaks, intended for player safety, have instead disrupted the flow of the game and turned into a means for broadcasters to generate advertising revenue.
According to major international media outlets, including the BBC, Arsène Wenger, FIFA's Chief of Global Football Development, stated during a technical study group (TSG) press conference in New Jersey on July 19 that the organization will closely analyze the impact of hydration breaks.
Wenger noted, "Sometimes people did not like this break. It seems that hydration breaks did not affect the outcome of the matches. However, we are here for the viewers of football. We will analyze the impact after the World Cup and reach a conclusion."
Prior to the tournament, FIFA mandated a three-minute hydration break around the 22nd minute of each half, regardless of weather conditions or whether the match was held in a dome. This was intended to maintain fairness across matches, but it has led to criticism that the continuous flow of soccer has effectively been transformed into a 'four-quarter' format. Some fans expressed their frustration by booing during the breaks.
There has also been significant criticism that these breaks serve primarily to guarantee advertising time for broadcasters. For instance, Fox Sports, a U.S. broadcaster, has set the average cost for a 30-second ad during the World Cup at $200,000 to $300,000. The average cost for ads during matches featuring the U.S. national team and in the knockout stages has reportedly soared to as much as $750,000.
Reactions from coaches have varied. Many have voiced concerns that the three-minute breaks compromise the unique identity of soccer by effectively serving as tactical timeouts. Former Uruguay coach Marcelo Bielsa strongly opposed the breaks, stating, "Dividing the game into four segments takes away a lot without giving anything in return." England's Thomas Tuchel also expressed negative views on the matter.
In contrast, Spain's Luis de la Fuente expressed support for the breaks, saying, "I care about the players' health. I think it's the right measure to pause, recharge, and continue the game."
As the debate continues, FIFA plans to thoroughly examine the effects of the hydration break system on the nature of the matches. Wenger promised, "We have not reached a conclusion yet, but we will certainly make the analysis results public."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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