World Cup 2026: Hydration breaks not popular and Fifa will review, says Arsene Wenger
FIFA is set to review the impact of mandatory hydration breaks at the 2026 World Cup following widespread criticism from fans and players. While intended for player welfare, critics argue the breaks are used primarily for commercial advertising and disrupt match flow.
Why it matters
The controversy underscores the tension between player health, commercial interests, and the integrity of professional sports.
Image source, Getty Images Image caption, Wenger is Fifa's head of global football development
Arsene Wenger says he accepts the hydration breaks introduced at the 2026 World Cup have not been popular and Fifa will review their impact after the tournament.
Fifa brought in mandatory three-minute hydration breaks for the World Cup, regardless of conditions, for all matches played at stadiums in the United States, Mexico and Canada.
The governing body said they were brought in as a commitment to player welfare but critics have pointed to broadcasters using the breaks as a way to cash in with commercials.
Former Arsenal manager Wenger, who is Fifa's head of global football development, said "sometimes people didn't like" the hydration breaks and Fifa will "analyse after the World Cup what the impact was".
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