Arsene Wenger has said FIFA will review the mandatory hydration breaks introduced at the 2026 World Cup following criticism from fans, coaches and broadcasters.
The former Arsenal manager, who is FIFA’s Head of Global Football Development, acknowledged that the breaks had not been universally welcomed but said the governing body would assess their impact once the tournament concludes.
FIFA introduced compulsory three-minute hydration breaks for every World Cup match in the United States, Mexico and Canada, regardless of weather conditions, saying the measure was designed to protect players’ welfare.
However, the policy has drawn criticism from supporters, who argued that the stoppages disrupted the flow of matches and provided broadcasters with additional opportunities to air commercials.
Speaking about the issue, Wenger said FIFA would evaluate whether the breaks achieved their intended purpose.
“Sometimes people didn’t like” the hydration breaks and FIFA will “analyse after the World Cup what the impact was,” he said.
“It didn’t look to me that it changed the results but we are here to serve people that watch football and we will come to conclusions afterwards.
“In many games, especially when the stadium was covered, people were not happy with it, but at the start of the competition it was decided to do it for everybody.”
As the tournament progressed, supporters in several stadiums booed the hydration breaks, expressing frustration over the interruptions.
According to experts quoted by BBC Sport, a 30-second advertising slot during World Cup broadcasts on Fox Sports in the United States costs between $200,000 (£152,000) and $300,000 (£227,000), with prices rising to as much as $750,000 (£567,000) during United States matches and the latter stages of the tournament.
The breaks also gave coaches additional opportunities to deliver tactical instructions during matches.
UEFA has already ruled out introducing similar mandatory hydration breaks in its competitions.
England manager, Thomas Tuchel, also criticised the measure earlier in the tournament, saying it “interrupt and change the identity of a football match.”
Spain coach, Luis de la Fuente, however, backed the initiative, arguing that player welfare should take priority.
“I am always interested in the health of my players. I think it’s the right measure – a pause, freshen up and continue,” he said.
Wenger also defended FIFA’s decision to expand the World Cup from 32 to 48 teams, describing the new format as a success despite concerns raised before the tournament.
“It was questioned before it started but we found it was ethically needed to give a chance to more teams. I am convinced it was the right decision and it was a great success,” he said.
