Fifa’s Hydration Breaks Face Scrutiny Over Motives

By the Editorial Team · Saturday, July 4, 2026

FIFA has introduced mandatory hydration breaks during every World Cup match, regardless of temperature or stadium conditions, sparking controversy due to the players’ union not endorsing the measure. These breaks, sponsored by Coca-Cola’s Powerade, have provided additional advertising opportunities and coaching moments but have also raised questions about their necessity in climate-controlled venues.

FIFA’s decision to implement hydration breaks at every match during the current World Cup has drawn scrutiny following reports that the international players’ union did not endorse the move. The breaks, introduced in December, occur midway through each half regardless of stadium conditions, including air-conditioned venues.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino has maintained that the breaks were introduced solely for player welfare, denying that commercial interests influenced the decision. However, officials from Fifpro, the global players’ union, have indicated they never requested hydration breaks beyond their established policy, which allows for drink breaks only when temperatures exceed 28 degrees Celsius. One Fifpro insider described the universal breaks as unnecessary in temperature-controlled stadiums and suggested commercial motives might be a factor.

FIFA confirmed that Coca-Cola’s energy drink brand, Powerade, sponsors the hydration breaks as part of an existing sponsorship agreement. Broadcasters have also taken advantage of the additional stoppages to air advertisements, except in the United Kingdom, where ITV is restricted by regulations on advertising time.

The hydration breaks have altered the flow of matches, giving coaches designated opportunities to communicate with their players. Infantino defended this aspect, stating that the breaks provide a valuable pause during intense tournament play and allow coaches to engage with their teams regardless of weather conditions.

In terms of match timing, the current tournament has seen an average stoppage time of 11 minutes and 58 seconds per game, comparable to the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. However, once the six minutes allocated to hydration breaks are excluded, the effective stoppage time drops to 5 minutes and 58 seconds, which is significantly lower than last season’s averages in the Premier League (10 minutes 30 seconds) and UEFA Champions League (7 minutes 13 seconds). FIFA has clarified that referees have not been given any new instructions regarding stoppage time compared to the previous World Cup.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.