Arsene Wenger, FIFA’s head of global football development, acknowledged on the eve of the World Cup final that the introduction of hydration breaks during this year’s tournament received mixed reactions. The three-minute pauses were implemented midway through each half of every match, regardless of weather conditions or whether the game was played in a covered stadium. Wenger stated that FIFA will review the effectiveness and impact of these breaks after the tournament concludes.

Introduced with the stated goal of protecting player welfare, the hydration breaks were designed to provide athletes with opportunities to rehydrate during matches. However, some critics viewed the breaks as a commercial strategy to insert additional advertising time. Wenger said that while the breaks did not appear to influence match outcomes, FIFA’s priority remains serving the interests of the global football audience.

“Sometimes people didn’t like it and we have to analyse after the World Cup what the impact was,” Wenger said. He noted that the decision to apply the breaks universally—a choice made early in the competition—was not always well received, particularly in closed-roof venues or cooler playing conditions.

Spain’s coach Luis de la Fuente defended the measure, emphasizing the physical demands placed on players during long bouts of exertion, especially in the tournament’s typically warm environments. He highlighted the hydration breaks as valuable moments for players to recover and maintain competitive performance.

In addition to addressing the breaks, Wenger commented on the expanded format of the tournament, which featured 48 teams, up from 32 in the previous edition. Initially met with skepticism, the expansion was intended to allow more nations the opportunity to participate on the world stage. Wenger described the change as a success, saying it was “officially needed” and that it gave more teams their deserved chance.

As FIFA completes its post-tournament analysis, the future of hydration breaks and the overall structure of the World Cup may be reevaluated in light of feedback from players, coaches, and fans.