FIFA to review World Cup hydration breaks after criticism

Ahead of the World Cup final, FIFA officials have acknowledged that the tournament's controversial mandatory hydration breaks will be reviewed following strong criticism from coaches and fans. Arsene Wenger, FIFA's Chief of Global Football Development, stated on Saturday, July 18, that while the breaks were medically necessary in many games, they were not universally popular and a full analysis will be conducted after the final between Spain and Argentina on July 19.

FIFA introduced a mandatory three-minute hydration break midway through each half for every match of the 2026 World Cup, which is being hosted across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The policy was presented as a uniform commitment to player welfare. However, it was applied universally, including in matches played in cooler conditions or in venues with roofs, which drew significant criticism.

Multiple leading coaches voiced their opposition throughout the tournament. England's Thomas Tuchel said the breaks had a bigger impact than anticipated and disrupted the momentum of matches. Uruguay's Marcelo Bielsa was a particularly strong critic, arguing the stoppages added nothing to football while damaging the...