The US broadcasters sparked fury by showing commercials during both of the mid-half hydration breaks, with commentator Ian Darke introducing them as being 'powered by Powerade.'

There was a stark contrast between the UK and US broadcasts of the opening match between Mexico and South Africa

The US broadcasters sparked fury by showing commercials during both of the mid-half hydration breaks, with commentator Ian Darke introducing them as being 'powered by Powerade.'

The only English-language broadcast of the World Cup in the U.S. has come under scrutiny after just one match.

Comment: The decision to mandate three-minute hydration breaks during every half of football at the 2026 World Cup smacks of yet more greed, writes Lawrence Ostlere