Wenger says FIFA will review unpopular hydration breaks after World Cup
Arsène Wenger, FIFA’s Chief of Global Football Development, has revealed that a deep technical analysis into the highly unpopular and controversial mandatory hydration breaks will take place after the ongoing 2026 World Cup to reassess the impact of the policy.
While speaking at a closing press conference ahead of the final, Wenger acknowledged criticism of the mandatory hydration breaks introduced at the 2026 World Cup. FIFA which has elicited heavy criticism from fans, managers, and players.
Regardless of whether stadiums were enclosed, air-conditioned, or experiencing cool weather, FIFA implemented a mandatory three-minute cooling break midway through each half of every match- a decision that has attracted heavy criticism.
Wenger said, “There were cases where people did not like the hydration breaks. When the World Cup ends, we will analyze what impact this policy had.”
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He added, “In my view it did not change match outcomes. But because we exist for the people who watch football, we will draw conclusions after the tournament.”
According to Wenger who was in charge at Arsenal for over two decades, there were matches where dissatisfaction was particularly strong against the hydration breaks.
Wenger said, “Many matches held in roofed stadiums left people dissatisfied. Because it was decided before the tournament to apply it uniformly to all matches, it was implemented as such.”
Recall that England manager Thomas Tuchel opposed the breaks, stating they significantly interrupted the natural flow and “identity of a football match.”
However, Spain coach Luiz De La Fuente is in support of the hydration breaks for the safety aspect, prioritizing player welfare and heat management above the critics’ objections of the unpopular policy implemented by FIFA.
