FIFA hydration breaks likely remain in future World Cups
ESPN Soccer • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 20, 2026, 9:04 PM
Last updated Jun 20, 2026
FIFA's hydration breaks during World Cups, introduced to address player safety, have generated mixed reactions among fans. Despite the divisiveness, they have proven financially beneficial, influencing FIFA's decision to continue them in upcoming tournaments. As the 2026 World Cup progresses, discussions around these breaks will likely continue among officials and fans alike.
- •Hydration breaks aim to enhance player safety amid high temperatures.
- •Breaks have sparked debate among fans and commentators.
- •Financial benefits may influence FIFA's future policies on breaks.
- •The 2026 World Cup is currently ongoing.
- 6:46 PMESPN Soccer — Infantino favors hydration breaks at future WCs
- 4:46 PMYahoo Sports — Fifa weighs up keeping hydration breaks for future World Cups despite fan backlash
- 4:09 PMYahoo Sports — Maybe they're good: FIFA to analyze use of hydration breaks at future World Cups, Infantino says
- 9:04 PMAwful Announcing — FIFA’s World Cup hydration breaks are probably here to stay - Awful Announcing
"FIFA will consider keeping hydration breaks for future World Cups despite backlash to the extra stoppages in play at this year's tournament. Gianni Infantino, the soccer body's president, defended the decision to introduce breaks — which come midway through each half — at this World Cup and said Tuesday they may be providing more entertainment for fans.
"Hydration breaks are incredibly divisive but they've also proven to be incredibly lucrative, so don't expect FIFA to stop doing them at future World Cups.
"FIFA will consider keeping hydration breaks for future World Cups despite backlash to the extra stoppages in play at this year's tournament.
Sources
External links- ESPN SoccerJun 23, 2026, 6:46 PMInfantino favors hydration breaks at future WCs
FIFA will consider keeping hydration breaks for future World Cups despite backlash to the extra stoppages in play at this year's tournament.
- Yahoo SportsJun 23, 2026, 4:46 PMFifa weighs up keeping hydration breaks for future World Cups despite fan backlash
Hydration breaks have been loudly booed by fans at the World Cup
- Yahoo SportsJun 23, 2026, 4:09 PMMaybe they're good: FIFA to analyze use of hydration breaks at future World Cups, Infantino says
FIFA will consider keeping hydration breaks for future World Cups despite backlash to the extra stoppages in play at this year's tournament. Gianni Infantino, the soccer body's president, defended the decision to introduce breaks — which come midway through each half — at this World Cup and said Tuesday they may be providing more entertainment for fans.
- Awful AnnouncingJun 20, 2026, 9:04 PMFIFA’s World Cup hydration breaks are probably here to stay - Awful Announcing
Hydration breaks are incredibly divisive but they've also proven to be incredibly lucrative, so don't expect FIFA to stop doing them at future World Cups.
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