FIFA’s Head of Global Football Development, Arsene Wenger, has admitted the mandatory hydration breaks introduced at the 2026 World Cup have not been popular, saying the governing body will review their impact after the tournament.
FIFA brought in compulsory three-minute hydration breaks for all matches played at stadiums in the United States, Mexico and Canada, regardless of weather conditions. The body said it was a commitment to player welfare.
However, critics have pointed to broadcasters using the breaks to cash in with commercials, while fans and coaches complained the stoppages disrupted the flow of games.
“Sometimes people didn’t like the hydration breaks and FIFA will analyse after the World Cup what the impact was,” Wenger said.
As the tournament progressed, supporters started to boo the hydration breaks out of frustration at the stoppages.
The breaks effectively became tactical timeouts, with coaches using the time to run through strategic changes with players.
UEFA has ruled out introducing the breaks for its competitions. England manager Thomas Tuchel said earlier in the tournament that he is not a fan of them, stating they “interrupt and change the identity of a football match.”
Spain boss Luis de la Fuente, however, backed the measure last month.
“I am always interested in the health of my players. I think it’s the right measure – a pause, freshen up and continue.”
Meanwhile, Wenger said the expansion of the World Cup to feature 48 teams rather than 32 has been a success.
Wenger Admits 2026 World Cup Hydration Breaks Were Unpopular
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