FIFA president Gianni Infantino has dismissed claims that the hydration breaks introduced at the 2026 FIFA World Cup were designed to create extra advertising opportunities for broadcasters.
The new rule requires two hydration breaks during every match, one in each half, and has generated debate among players, coaches and fans. Critics believe the stoppages interrupt the flow of games and provide broadcasters with additional commercial slots. Infantino, however, insists the decision was made purely to protect players competing in challenging weather conditions across the United States, Canada and Mexico.
Player welfare was the priority
Speaking on the issue, Infantino said all of FIFA’s commercial agreements were finalised before the World Cup began, meaning the governing body does not earn extra revenue from the additional breaks.
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He explained that the measure was introduced to help players cope with the physical demands of the expanded 48-team tournament, especially in venues where temperatures can be extremely high. He said on that matter, as quoted by India Today, "There is no additional revenue for FIFA, as all commercial agreements were signed well in advance. So, this is not a financial issue for us. For us, it is purely a sporting matter," Infantino said in a statement on Wednesday. "The main reason is the heat, but we also have to understand that in a competition like the World Cup, played over 39 days, with teams potentially playing eight matches in those 39 days, having a moment to rest is extremely important."
The rule continues to divide opinion
While FIFA has defended the move, several football figures have questioned its impact on the sport. Some coaches argue that the stoppages disrupt momentum and change the natural rhythm of matches by effectively splitting each half into shorter periods.
Infantino doubles down on promise to Trump that he will jointly present World Cup trophy - despite ethics complaint from Norwegian FA alleging he has breached political neutrality rules. https://t.co/dRf2KoYMRO
— Martyn Ziegler (@martynziegler) June 23, 2026
Others have supported the rule, saying player safety must take precedence in a tournament being played across multiple climate zones and during the peak summer period.
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Infantino maintained that FIFA’s focus remains on player welfare and not commercial benefits. He added that the organisation will review the effectiveness of the hydration breaks after the tournament and assess whether the rule should be retained for future World Cups.
Despite the criticism, FIFA believes the measure has helped players manage the demanding conditions of the tournament and contributed to maintaining performance levels throughout matches.
