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Infantino says FIFA will analyze using hydration breaks at future World Cups
- On Wednesday, FIFA President Gianni Infantino defended the 2026 World Cup's hydration breaks, insisting they are 'purely a sporting matter' rather than financially motivated and pledging a post-tournament review of their future use.
- Mandatory three-minute breaks were introduced in the 22nd and 67th minutes to help players manage extreme North American heat, though FIFA mandated them even in air-conditioned stadiums and cooler conditions.
- While FIFA claims no additional revenue, experts suggest 30-second World Cup ads on American broadcaster Fox Sports cost between $200,000 and $300,000, with final-stage slots reaching $750,000.
- England manager Thomas Tuchel argued the breaks 'interrupts and changes the identity of the football match,' joining Uruguay coach Marcelo Bielsa in criticizing how the pauses disrupt game momentum.
- Infantino maintained that ensuring 'equal conditions' for all teams justifies the pauses, despite Spain coach Luis de la Fuente and Netherlands captain Virgil van Dijk questioning their necessity in cooler venues.
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108 Articles
108 Articles
Infantino says World Cup hydration breaks purely sporting, not commercial
·New York, United States
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Fifa chief defends World Cup ‘hydration breaks’
Fifa president Gianni Infantino has defended the introduction of hydration breaks at the World Cup, insisting that for football’s governing body they are driven purely by sporting considerations and not commercial interests.
·Bangkok, Thailand
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Coverage Details
Total News Sources108
Leaning Left20Leaning Right19Center29Last UpdatedBias Distribution43% Center
Bias Distribution
- 43% of the sources are Center
43% Center
L 29%
C 43%
R 28%
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