Written by Megan Taylor, sports reporter covering international sports since 2020

World Cup hydration breaks could remain part of future FIFA tournaments, with president Gianni Infantino defending the extra stoppages despite criticism from fans during this year’s competition.

The breaks, held midway through each half, have been used in every match regardless of venue, temperature or stadium conditions. FIFA will review the system after the tournament, but Infantino said the pauses may have helped players maintain intensity late in games.

For more World Cup team news, read Portugal vs Uzbekistan Team News: Cristiano Ronaldo Starts In World Cup Clash, while official tournament updates are available through the FIFA World Cup 2026 page.

Infantino Defends The Breaks

"Maybe the coach can reassess certain situations, correct certain mistakes. The players get a little rest and come back in full speed. Well, is that bad necessarily? Maybe it's good," Infantino said.

"And we see as well the intensity of the games. We've never seen 90 minutes in a tournament like this played in such an intensity.

"Until the last second of the match, players attack and so on," he continued. "And maybe, maybe not, but maybe it's also a bit thanks to this little break that the players have and after they can go back on the field and show what they can do."

The stoppages have drawn loud jeers, especially in covered and air-conditioned venues such as Atlanta. Some critics have also questioned whether the breaks were introduced to create extra advertising slots.

FIFA Cites Sporting Fairness

Infantino said FIFA had to apply the rule across all games to avoid giving some coaches an extra tactical pause and denying it to others.

"If we were to use hydration breaks only in those matches where it was too hot and not in the other matches, we would give an advantage or a disadvantage to some of the coaches or some of the teams," he said.

"Why would the coach have the opportunity to influence the game in one match just because it's hot and in another match where it's a bit less hot, he wouldn't have this opportunity?"

FIFA also denied making extra money from commercials during the breaks, saying broadcast contracts were signed before the decision. Infantino confirmed United States president Donald Trump will hand over the trophy at the final on July 19.