Are World Cup hydration breaks actually commercial breaks or momentum breaks? - ESPN
FIFA has implemented mandatory three-minute hydration breaks in every World Cup match, regardless of weather conditions. Critics argue these breaks serve as commercial opportunities and disrupt the momentum of the game, mirroring the structure of American sports leagues.
Why it matters
The change alters the traditional flow of international soccer and raises questions about the influence of commercial interests on sport integrity.
For this World Cup , FIFA has introduced mandatory hydration breaks -- around the 22nd minute mark of the first half and 67th minute of the second -- to counter the weather conditions across Mexico, Canada and the United States this summer.
The article presents both the official FIFA justification and the critical perspective of fans and observers without taking a definitive stance.
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