FIFA president Gianni Infantino has defended the hydration breaks being used at the World Cup, calling them “purely a sporting matter” and insisting world soccer’s governing body gains “absolutely nothing” from them financially.The breaks, which take place in the 22nd and 67th minutes of every game, are a new addition for the tournament in the United States, Canada and Mexico and have come in for criticism from players, coaches and pundits over the first stages of the competition.Uruguay coach Marcelo Bielsa said the concept of football in quarters rather than halves “adds nothing and takes away a lot” while England’s Thomas Tuchel believes the added intervals change the “identity” of the games.Others have pointed to the need for players to hydrate adequately in games with extreme temperatures with Spain coach Luis de la Fuente saying they are the “right choice” but questioning the need for them when conditions are cooler or for matches at indoor stadiums.In a statement on Tuesday evening, Infantino said: “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.“What matters even more to us is ensuring that all teams, in every match, are playing under the same conditions. And it’s very difficult to accept that a coach might have the opportunity to influence a match by making adjustments simply because it’s hotter, while in another match, where the temperature is slightly lower, the same coach doesn’t have the same opportunity. We want to ensure equal conditions for everyone, and that’s why these breaks are implemented in every match.”The breaks have allowed broadcasters to include extra commercials during games.“The referees are saying: ‘No, you’ve got more time, it’s alright, because the ads are still running’,” defender Antonee Robinson said after the United States’ World Cup opening game against Paraguay.Infantino says FIFA gains “absolutely nothing” from the breaks.“There is no additional revenue for FIFA, as all commercial agreements were signed well in advance,” he said. “So, this is not a financial issue for us. For us, it is purely a sporting matter.”Jun 24, 2026Connections: Sports EditionSpot the pattern. Connect the termsFind the hidden link between sports terms