FIFA introduces mandatory commercial breaks at the 2026 World Cup under the guise of player welfare

FIFA has officially confirmed that every match at the 2026 World Cup in the USA, Canada, and Mexico will feature mandatory three-minute hydration breaks in each half.

Details: For the first time in football history, FIFA has formally allowed broadcasters to interrupt live coverage with commercial advertising specifically during these breaks. While the match clock will continue running, referees will stop play at the midpoint of each half so players can rehydrate.

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This move is being presented as a measure to "ensure player welfare" amid the summer heat.

Technically, this will work as follows: around the 25th and 70th minutes, the referee will blow the whistle, players will head toward the sidelines, and broadcasters will instantly cut to commercial breaks.

Reminder: Germany may boycott the 2026 World Cup after Spain.