Fans boo, players adapt – the view on World Cup hydration breaksImage source, AFP via Getty ImagesImage caption, There were boos from England and Croatia fans when the game was paused for hydration breaks on WednesdayByGary RoseBBC Sport journalist in VancouverPublished32 minutes agoBySarah DawkinsBBC Sport Senior Journalist in DallasEngland may have made the ideal start to their 2026 World Cup campaign with a 4-2 victory against Croatia on Wednesday but there were still boos during the match.They weren’t directed at the players or the officials. Instead, they were targeted at a controversial addition to games for this tournament – hydration breaks.There are two pauses per game – one in the middle of each half, each for three minutes – and they were introduced to help players deal with the summer heat in North America.While they have been welcomed by some national team bosses, the fans seem less keen and both England and Croatia supporters united in the air-conditioned Dallas Stadium to jeer the break in play on Wednesday.
The main source of criticism for their addition is that they are viewed as additional financial revenue, with broadcasters utilising the breaks to show more adverts.
“The hydration breaks are obviously for one purpose and that’s big money for advertisements,” stated one England fan after the game.
“In this stadium, I don’t think they were needed but in another with no air conditioning and you are playing in 90 degrees plus, they are absolutely essential.”
Another Three Lions supporter added: “Yes, if you are outside you need a hydration break, I get that. But you are in an air conditioned stadium – you don’t need one.
“It stops the flow. Football is about the flow and there’s no need to stop the flow in an air-conditioned stadium.”
