FIFA President Gianni Infantino has defended the FIFA hydration breaks policy at the 2026 World Cup, insisting the controversial stoppages are designed to protect players and ensure fair competition rather than generate additional revenue.
The mandatory three-minute breaks, introduced midway through each half of every match, were implemented to help players cope with extreme temperatures across host cities in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. While FIFA says the measure is necessary for player welfare, the decision has sparked criticism from fans, coaches, and commentators, with some supporters openly booing when the breaks are announced during matches.
Critics argue that the stoppages disrupt the natural flow of football and create additional advertising opportunities for broadcasters. Some television networks have used the breaks to air commercials, leading to speculation that the policy is financially motivated.
However, Infantino rejected those claims, stating that FIFA receives no extra revenue from the arrangement because commercial agreements were signed before the tournament began. He stressed that the FIFA hydration breaks policy is based solely on sporting and medical considerations.
According to Infantino, the World Cup places enormous physical demands on players, especially those whose teams advance deep into the competition. He explained that teams can potentially play up to eight matches in 39 days, making recovery periods increasingly important.
The FIFA president also argued that the breaks help maintain fairness across the tournament. He said teams competing in hotter conditions should not have different coaching opportunities than teams playing in cooler environments. By applying the rule to every match, FIFA believes all teams compete under the same conditions regardless of weather.
England manager Thomas Tuchel is among those who have questioned the policy. Tuchel said the breaks change the rhythm of matches and effectively divide games into four quarters rather than two halves. While acknowledging that the stoppages provide useful opportunities for coaches to communicate with players, he argued that uninterrupted play is a key part of football’s appeal.
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The debate has intensified amid reports that broadcasters could earn substantial advertising revenue during the breaks. Industry estimates suggest that a 30-second commercial during World Cup coverage can cost hundreds of thousands of dollars, with rates increasing significantly during high-profile matches.
Despite the criticism, FIFA has indicated it may continue using hydration breaks at future tournaments. Infantino said the governing body will review the policy after the World Cup concludes but maintained that player welfare and competitive fairness remain the organisation’s top priorities.
