Fifa president Gianni Infantino has stated that the implementation of hydration breaks during World Cup matches is strictly a sporting decision and does not generate any extra income for the governing body. These three-minute pauses occur midway through both halves to protect players from severe heat across North American venues.
The policy has faced criticism from fans and coaches, with supporters occasionally booing when referees pause play. While broadcasters in some regions run advertisements during these breaks, Infantino clarified that all commercial contracts were finalized before the tournament, meaning Fifa derives no financial gain from the airtime. Instead, the primary goal is to provide consistent playing conditions for every team, regardless of the local temperature or whether a match is held in an air-conditioned stadium.
Infantino noted that the breaks also allow for a brief period of rest during a demanding 39-day tournament schedule. Furthermore, he emphasized that allowing coaching staff to provide tactical feedback during these pauses is intended to maintain fairness, ensuring that all managers have equal opportunities to adjust their strategies rather than only having that benefit in hotter conditions.
