Gianni Infantino, president of FIFA, has once again defended the mandatory hydration breaks implemented during the 2026 World Cup matches, stating that the measure is exclusively sporting in nature and is not linked to commercial interests.
The so-called “hydration breaks” take place at specific moments during matches and were introduced to protect players from the high temperatures recorded in the tournament’s host cities in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
The decision, however, has sparked strong debate in football. Critics say the breaks disrupt the rhythm of the game and could be used to insert additional commercial blocks into the broadcast.
Infantino rejected that interpretation and said there is no extra revenue generation associated with the interruptions, stating that the motivation is exclusively linked to the well-being of the athletes. “There is no additional revenue for FIFA, since all commercial agreements were signed well in advance,” he explained.
According to FIFA, the measure also seeks to standardize playing conditions across all stadiums, avoiding advantages or disadvantages related to the weather. The organization argues that, in a tournament with high physical demands and played in elevated temperatures, the breaks help players recover and maintain intensity throughout the 90 minutes.
Despite the official justification, coaches, players and part of the press remain divided over the impact of the interruptions, which have become one of the most discussed topics of the 2026 World Cup.
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