Gary Neville urges FIFA to regulate hydration breaks during World Cup

Gary Neville has called on FIFA to address the usage of hydration breaks during the ongoing 2026 World Cup. These breaks, implemented for three minutes after 22 minutes of play, have led to interruptions that disrupt the game's flow, as coaches utilize the time for tactical discussions. Neville highlighted concerns on the Stick To Football podcast, suggesting that the breaks resemble mini half-times and are being exploited for advertising purposes. He urged FIFA to ensure that tactical tools are not permitted during these periods, suggesting that their current structure requires immediate review to maintain the integrity of match play.

• 2:43 PMYahoo Sports — Gary Neville demands FIFA act on what World Cup teams are doing during hydration breaks