How FIFA's climate solution has turned into 'water-gate'

As the United States faces off against Australia this afternoon, millions of soccer enthusiasts are expected to watch. For those tuning in since the last World Cup, a noticeable change will be evident: players pausing midway through each half for water breaks.

These mandatory three-minute hydration breaks, introduced for player safety, have sparked unexpected controversy, bringing climate change to the forefront. The Independent, a U.K. newspaper, dubbed it “Water-gate.” A chief sportswriter at the Daily Mail criticized the breaks as a “momentum killer” and a “money-grabbing disgrace.”

The reaction from fans was similarly intense. Spectators at the England vs. Croatia match expressed their displeasure by booing when the referee called for a break, with online comments echoing the sentiment: “I’m booing from home,” posted one Reddit user, while another claimed, “FIFA ruined the beautiful game.”

FIFA, the governing body of the sport and organizer of the tournament, opted not to comment directly, instead referring to its December announcement. According to their statement, “The use of hydration breaks is part of a focused attempt to ensure the best possible conditions for players.” Previously, cooling breaks were only mandated if the wet bulb temperature, a measure combining air temperature and humidity, hit 32 degrees Celsius (about 90 Fahrenheit). Now, the rule encompasses all games, irrespective of temperature, humidity, or venue conditions, including indoor matches with air conditioning.

This decision comes on the heels of criticism from a tournament in the United States last summer, where FIFPRO, the organization representing players, argued that extreme heat should have led to match cancellations. Before the World Cup, FIFPRO emphasized in a press statement the importance of integrating scientific knowledge to protect player health and well-being, stating, “It has never been more important to give space to scientific knowledge and find mitigation strategies that protect the health and wellbeing of our players.”

Players cool down during a hydration break in the FIFA World Cup 2026 match between Spain and Cabo Verde at Atlanta Stadium on June 15. Buda Mendes / Getty Images

Rest and hydration are crucial for safeguarding players in a world where extreme temperatures are increasingly prevalent and hazardous. However, many fans and players feel FIFA’s measures are excessive. “If it’s really hot, obviously it will be good to put them in. But I think you have ⁠to look at it in every game separately, in my opinion,” expressed Virgil van Dijk, captain of the Netherlands’ team. A Reddit user voiced frustration, stating, “We’re inundated with commercials.”

This sentiment is common and has fueled speculation that FIFA introduced these breaks to increase ad revenue. Broadcasters, like Telemundo and the BBC, are not required to air full-screen ads during breaks. Yet, FIFA mandates that ads begin 20 seconds into the pause and conclude 30 seconds before play resumes, allowing for 2 minutes and 10 seconds of additional ad time per half. According to The Wall Street Journal, a 30-second ad during early matches costs around $200,000, escalating to $750,000 when the U.S. team is playing.

John Kosner, described by The Journal as a former ESPN executive, remarked, “They’ve essentially divided the game into quarters and made enormously valuable breaks.”

During the World Cup’s opening game, about 67 minutes in, the referee called for a hydration break. The American broadcaster, Fox, switched to commercials that extended beyond the break, causing players to stall and viewers to miss the restart. Fox stated that the signal was missed during a replay. FIFA does not intend to penalize the network. Concerns over commercialization persist, partly because the temperature at kickoff was a mild 74 degrees Fahrenheit.

FIFA has implemented these breaks in all matches to ensure fairness in a tournament held across 16 stadiums in three countries. However, this reasoning has not alleviated criticism. Chris Taylor, head coach of the Vermont Green FC’s men’s team, expressed skepticism, noting that every soccer game has varied stoppages and durations.

The Vermont Green FC, with a focus on climate issues, regards extreme heat as a significant concern. Taylor acknowledges the necessity of hydration breaks in appropriate conditions, which he has encountered frequently in his extensive career as a player and coach. Nevertheless, he questions FIFA’s priorities in this World Cup.

“I don’t think the health of the players is their primary concern,” Taylor commented. “This World Cup has felt that every angle has been monetized.”