FIFA president Gianni Infantino defended the introduction of hydration breaks at this World Cup, saying the mid‑half pauses may keep players fresher and add spectacle.

The 2026 edition pushed the competition to 48 teams, expanding the field from 32 and sparking fears of diluted quality. Despite that, the tournament delivered record‑pace goals and headline‑making performances from Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappé and Erling Haaland, while newcomers Cape Verde and Curaçao produced unexpected shocks.

Infantino said the breaks are applied uniformly, regardless of venue temperature, to avoid giving any coach an advantage in hotter matches. He added that broadcasting contracts were signed before the rule change, so networks do not gain extra advertising time.

The debate over hydration pauses highlights how tournament format shifts can ripple into gameplay and fan experience. With the 48‑team World Cup still in full swing, stakeholders will watch closely to see if the breaks improve player performance and match flow, or if they become another flashpoint for controversy.