FIFA defends hydration breaks during England-Ghana match

Yahoo Sports1 min read • Latest: Jun 23, 2026, 10:11 PM

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

FIFA defends hydration breaks during England-Ghana match
Summary

FIFA has defended the implementation of hydration breaks during the England vs. Ghana match, held on June 23, 2026. The breaks were enacted to ensure equal playing conditions despite head injuries having halted play shortly before. England head coach Thomas Tuchel criticized the timing, calling it an interruption of the game's flow, though supporters of the breaks, including France's Didier Deschamps, argue they benefit player welfare and tactical adjustments. Some medical experts suggest the hydration breaks may need to be longer to be effective. FIFA stated these breaks will be applied to all matches in the World Cup for consistency.

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Status Watch
  • Hydration break called in 26th minute after head injury stoppage.
  • Tuchel criticizes breaks, suggesting they disrupt game flow.
  • Deschamps supports breaks for tactical adjustments.
  • Medical experts recommend longer hydration breaks for effectiveness.
  • FIFA mandates breaks for all World Cup matches for fairness.
Latest Updates
  • 10:56 PMYahoo SportsFIFA defends hydration break after England-Ghana injury stoppage
  • 10:37 PMYahoo SportsFifa responds after England fans boo hydration breaks during World Cup clash with Ghana
What they're saying
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FIFA says a hydration break was called in the England v Ghana game to ensure “equal conditions” for all teams – even though play had been halted for head injuries minutes earlier. The breaks, which have been criticised by England head coach Thomas Tuchel and consistently booed by England fans, have been introduced for all World Cup matches by FIFA for these finals in North America for player welfare reasons.

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Supporters made their feelings clear as the game was paused moments after an injury stoppage

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