Fifa to Review Hydration Breaks After Unpopular World Cup Debut

Arsene Wenger, Fifa's chief of global football development, has admitted that the hydration breaks introduced at the 2026 World Cup have not been well received. He confirmed that Fifa will review the measure after the tournament to assess its impact. The breaks were implemented to allow players to rehydrate during matches, especially in hot and humid conditions. They were seen as a response to concerns about player safety in extreme weather. However, many fans, players, and coaches have criticized them for disrupting the flow of the game. Wenger acknowledged the feedback, saying that while the breaks were intended to protect players' health, they have not been popular. He emphasized that Fifa will listen to all stakeholders before deciding whether to keep the breaks in future tournaments. The 2026 World Cup, co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, is the first edition to feature such breaks. The review will consider data on player performance, medical feedback, and spectator opinion. It remains unclear if the breaks will be scrapped or modified. The decision will likely come after the tournament ends, with Fifa aiming to balance player welfare and the quality of the game.