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FIFA to Review 2026 World Cup Hydration Breaks Amid Criticism

7/19/2026

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Summary

FIFA Reviews Breaks

FIFA will review the three-minute hydration breaks used at the 2026 World Cup.
Critics said the breaks added advertisements while the pauses occurred each half regardless of temperature or roofed venues.
Spain coach Luis de la Fuente defended the breaks, saying they help players recover in heat.
FIFA president Gianni Infantino noted the breaks did not affect results and will be analyzed for future tournaments.

Summary

Fox Hydration Ads

Fox expects at least $250 million from ads sold during three-minute hydration breaks at the 2026 World Cup.
A 30-second Fox Sports spot costs $200,000-$300,000, rising to $750,000 for U.S. matches and the final.
Coaches Thomas Tuchel and Luis de la Fuente have used the breaks as tactical timeouts.
UEFA rejected mandatory hydration breaks for club tournaments, saying they would disrupt football’s flow.

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FIFA Reviews Breaks

FIFA will review the three-minute hydration breaks used at the 2026 World Cup.
Critics said the breaks added advertisements while the pauses occurred each half regardless of temperature or roofed venues.
Spain coach Luis de la Fuente defended the breaks, saying they help players recover in heat.
FIFA president Gianni Infantino noted the breaks did not affect results and will be analyzed for future tournaments.

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