Arsene Wenger, FIFA’s head of global football development, stated on Saturday that the organization will review the implementation of hydration breaks following criticism during the current World Cup. Speaking before the final between Spain and Argentina, Wenger acknowledged that the three-minute pauses, which occurred midway through each half regardless of temperature, faced public disapproval.
While FIFA maintained that the policy prioritized athlete health, detractors argued the stoppages served as commercial opportunities for advertising revenue. Wenger noted that the breaks appeared to have no impact on match outcomes, yet conceded that fans were particularly frustrated when the breaks occurred in covered stadiums or cooler weather. Spain coach Luis de la Fuente previously supported the measure, arguing that the rest periods were essential for maintaining physical performance in demanding conditions.
Separately, Wenger defended the expansion of the tournament format from 32 to 48 teams. Despite initial skepticism, he asserted that providing more nations the opportunity to participate was an ethical success for the sport.
