Loud cheers rang out around Dallas Stadium on Wednesday at the start of the first hydration break during the 2026 FIFA World Cup match between England and Croatia, as fans voiced their disdain for the innovation.
FIFA’s mandatory three-minute breaks, one in each half, have proven controversial since they were first introduced at this World Cup to help players cope with the heat and humidity of the North American summer.
Some critics say the breaks undermine the progress of the game, while others see their introduction as a cynical ploy to divide the game into four parts and give broadcasters more options to show advertisements.
Some England fans had said on social media that they would make their objection known during Wednesday’s match and the boos started from both groups of supporters as soon as referee Clement Turpin blew his whistle to signal the break in the 22nd minute.
READ ALSO | Miami’s scorching heat could push World Cup players to the brink, an expert has warned
The hydration break was also coldly received in chilly Toronto for the day’s other Group L meeting, as fans booed as players from Panama and Ghana walked to their respective benches as a steady rain poured down.
There were also boos from the crowd as the first intermission began in Norway’s match against Iraq at Boston Stadium on Tuesday, where the temperature was a mild 23 degrees Celsius.
Iraq kept the Norwegians at 0-0 and played well when the break started, but conceded a goal four minutes after play resumed and lost 4-1.
Published on June 18, 2026
