The mandatory hydration breaks at the 2026 World Cup have sparked debate in the stands, on the pitch, and far beyond.

FIFA says hydration breaks protect players from heat. They also create new annoying commercial breaks—and fans are calling foul.

Hydration breaks are expected to remain a feature of future World Cups despite attracting widespread criticism, City AM understands.

The mandatory hydration breaks at the 2026 World Cup have sparked debate in the stands, on the pitch, and far beyond.