FIFA hydration breaks have sparked criticism. But what do they actually do?

FIFA has introduced mandatory hydration breaks during all 104 matches at the 2026 World Cup in Mexico, Canada, and the United States—a first in World Cup history—designed to protect players from extreme heat in a tournament that experts warn could be the hottest on record. The breaks interrupt play midway through each half, effectively converting two halves into four quarters, which has generated criticism from multiple constituencies regarding both player safety protocols and impact on match dynamics and team momentum. NPR/AP's reporting is sourced from the wire service with clear framing of the rule's stated purpose and acknowledges criticism exists, though the description provided does not specify which groups oppose the breaks or what their specific objections are. Independent coverage from ESPN and The Athletic adds tactical context (how the breaks affect team strategy and broadcast revenue strategies), suggesting this is a multifaceted issue beyond simple heat management—indicating the article's depth could be deeper given the competing interests at play.