FIFA initially announced in December 2025 the introduction of three-minute hydration breaks at the 22-minute mark of each half, emphasizing that these pauses would be implemented in all 104 matches of the tournament to "ensure equal conditions for all teams, in all matches". 

Hydration breaks are not a novel concept in football or at the World Cup; during the 2014 tournament in Brazil, such breaks were occasionally necessary due to extreme weather conditions. 

Partner broadcasters have been granted permission to air commercials during these hydration pauses. Recently, USA's Fox Soccer tested the limits of the new regulations by returning from advertising just ten seconds after the game resumed during the tournament opener between Mexico and South Africa. 

FIFA chose not to penalize Fox, merely accepting their explanation, yet this initial breach has sparked speculation about whether FIFA is subtly endorsing a shift towards the American 'four-quarter' model utilized by the NBA and NFL to maximize advertising revenue.

The introduction of hydration breaks has been met with widespread disapproval from both television audiences and on-site fans, with noticeable booing and jeering resonating across multiple broadcasts throughout the tournament.

Dutch defender Virgil van Dijk, who contributed to the Netherlands' 2-2 draw against Japan, characterized the breaks as "a bit interesting". 

"I’ve been watching nearly all the matches up until now, and every time it went into a commercial break, I found it quite frustrating," van Dijk admitted. 

"I think it’s not great for the neutral viewers at home.

"Clearly, if it’s really hot, having breaks could be beneficial. I believe each game should be evaluated individually in this regard."

Realizing he might be stepping into controversial territory, Van Dijk flashed a smile at reporters and added, "I think I’ve already said enough about that."

Whether embraced or criticized, hydration breaks are poised to remain a fixture at FIFA World Cups for the foreseeable future, especially with the Mediterranean trio of Morocco, Portugal, and Spain slated to host the 2030 edition during the sweltering summer, followed by a return to the Middle East (Saudi Arabia) in 2034.