Fifa’s 2024 World Cup drew mixed reactions, with officials touting significant financial gains but facing criticism over several key decisions impacting fans, players, and the tournament experience. The event reportedly generated between $13 billion and $15 billion, with ticket and hospitality sales accounting for a substantial portion of the revenue. However, many supporters and fan groups expressed discontent over the high ticket prices, which they said priced out a large segment of the football community.

One of the most controversial innovations introduced by Fifa this year was the mandatory hydration breaks, implemented as a player welfare measure. Each match paused for three minutes midway through each half regardless of the stadium temperature. The universal application of these breaks sparked skepticism about their necessity and effectiveness. Notably, Fifa did not consult the international players’ union, Fifpro, before instituting the breaks. Commercial interests also intersected with this innovation: Coca-Cola, a Fifa sponsor, used the opportunity to promote an energy drink brand, and broadcasters sold advertising slots during the pauses.

The tournament also saw political interference come into the spotlight, particularly involving the United States. President Donald Trump, who had previously received the inaugural Fifa peace prize, played a visible role during the trophy presentation. Meanwhile, Andrew Giuliani, a White House representative, publicly questioned the impartiality of a referee who issued a red card to the U.S. striker Folarin Balogun during the group stage match against Bosnia-Herzegovina. This incident escalated into a broader scandal when Balogun’s automatic suspension was deferred following Trump’s intervention with Fifa president Gianni Infantino. Critics argued that such decisions undermined the integrity of Fifa’s disciplinary process, which is supposed to be independent.

Further controversy arose around the conduct of the Argentina team. Celebrations involving a Malvinas (Falklands) Islands banner after their victory over England stirred political tensions. Additionally, post-final incidents involved alleged physical attacks on Spain’s players. The Argentine players’ behavior was also scrutinized in connection with prior instances of racist chanting during the 2024 Copa America, which neither Conmebol nor Fifa addressed.

Proposals from South America to expand the World Cup field from 48 to 64 teams continue to generate debate. While Infantino initially dismissed the idea earlier in the year, he has since revived discussions about potential further expansion. Yet resistance remains strong among other confederations, including UEFA, the Asian Football Confederation, and CONCACAF, who worry about the impact on their qualifying competitions.

On the positive side, new measures aimed at reducing time-wasting proved effective. Changes around goal kicks, throw-ins, and substitutions helped increase the average ball-in-play time to 58 minutes and 16 seconds, surpassing previous tournaments and major leagues. Stoppage time allocated by referees for injuries and other delays was also reduced, averaging 6 minutes and 24 seconds, not including an additional 6 minutes allotted for hydration breaks.

Technological advancements were another bright spot. The introduction of semi-automated offside technology and improvements to the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) system enhanced the accuracy and speed of decisions. Several incorrect corner calls were quickly overturned, and VAR interventions generally occurred rapidly and selectively, following guidelines set by VAR chief Pierluigi Collina.

While these technical and procedural improvements were welcomed, the hydration breaks remained divisive. Overall, the World Cup highlighted ongoing tensions between commercial interests, political influences, and efforts to improve the game’s integrity and pace.