World Cup Hydration Breaks Draw Backlash Over 3-Minute Pauses and Extra Ads
Updated
Updated · The New York Times · Jun 18
World Cup Hydration Breaks Draw Backlash Over 3-Minute Pauses and Extra Ads
3 articles · Updated · The New York Times · Jun 18
Summary
Fans and players at the World Cup are pushing back against hydration breaks, saying the mid-half stoppages disrupt play and hand broadcasters extra ad time.
FIFA made the breaks regular in December after heat-related health concerns, with the tournament spread across the United States, Mexico and Canada during a hot North American June.
Soccer’s usual 45-minute halves have traditionally run with only brief stoppages, making the added pauses feel especially intrusive to supporters who say they can break a team’s momentum.
The complaints build on booing already heard at matches such as England vs. Croatia, showing a wider clash between player safety measures and fans’ expectations of uninterrupted flow.