Carli Lloyd, renowned former USWNT star and current Fox Sports analyst, has openly criticized the newly implemented mandatory hydration breaks during the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The rule became a focal point during the tournament opener between Mexico and South Africa, where broadcasters utilized these three-minute stoppages to air full-screen advertisements.
Hydration breaks, while not a novel concept in FIFA tournaments, have undergone significant changes for this World Cup. Initially introduced during the 2014 Men’s World Cup in Brazil, these cooling pauses were used sparingly at the discretion of referees and only when temperatures surpassed a critical threshold of 32°C (approximately 90°F). This approach continued in the 2022 Men’s World Cup in Qatar and the 2023 Women’s World Cup hosted by Australia and New Zealand.
Evolution of Hydration Breaks in World Cup History
Unlike previous tournaments, the 2026 World Cup mandates a fixed three-minute hydration break each half, irrespective of weather conditions. This change has sparked concern among fans who value the uninterrupted flow traditional to soccer. The sport’s 90-minute clock typically runs continuously, and these forced pauses, which do not stop the game clock, contribute to extended stoppage time at the end of matches.
The new policy’s impact became visibly controversial during the opening match, with many viewers expressing frustration over the interruption to the game’s rhythm and the commercial exploitation of these breaks. Carli Lloyd voiced her disapproval succinctly on social media, stating simply, “I hate it.”