World Cup Fans Angry About Hydration Breaks With Ads

The 2026 World Cup has a big issue that isn't about football - it's about water.

Since the tournament started on June 11, every match has a 3-minute hydration break. Players stop playing, and some US broadcasters show commercials. This happens twice in each match.

These breaks are worth money. FIFA's rules give networks time to show commercials - about two minutes per half.

This is new for the World Cup. FIFA allowed these breaks to be used for commercials in March.

This is a big change for football, which usually has a flowing game. The breaks are more like those in American sports.

FIFA started the hydration breaks in 2025 to keep players safe in hot weather.

But because the breaks happen in every match, they have become a big topic among players, coaches, and fans.

Complaints started with the first match. Fox showed commercials during the breaks and missed the restart.

People are angry on social media. Some say the breaks are just for commercials.

Fans are also booing the breaks during matches.

The breaks might be affecting the games. Fans point to one match where a team scored, then the other team won after the break.

One player scored, then the break happened, and the other team won 7-1.

A former player said he felt sorry for the team that scored because the break stopped their momentum.

Some data shows the breaks might be helping teams. They are taking more shots after the breaks.

Some teams scored after the breaks, including one team's first goal.

Not all broadcasters are showing commercials during the breaks. Telemundo is staying with the match.

Telemundo wants to give fans a real World Cup experience. They will show the players and coaches during the breaks.

The network's commentators are also talking about the breaks. They said they won't take a break from the World Cup.

Another network, ITV, is also not showing commercials during the breaks. They are pointing out the booing in stadiums.

Many English-speaking fans in the US are watching Telemundo's stream, even though it's in Spanish.

The debate about the breaks will likely continue as the World Cup goes on.

The issue is still being discussed.

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