"Old-school approach." Spanish-language commentators refuse to air commercials during hydration breaks

The 2026 FIFA World Cup features hydration breaks during matches, and many broadcasters use those pauses to show commercials. However, not everyone has followed that approach.

Details: During a live broadcast, commentators on Telemundo TV explained that they do not air advertisements during hydration breaks, choosing instead to stick with a more traditional philosophy.

Quote: "We are one of the few networks in the world that does NOT show commercials during cooling breaks at the World Cup.

We prefer the old-school approach. We should be watching what the players are doing. We show the fans, the people enjoying the occasion, rather than the corporate side of football," the commentators said on air.

Meanwhile, controversy has already erupted at the World Cup after referee Wilton Sampaio was forced to keep the players off the pitch longer than scheduled during a hydration break in the Mexico vs South Africa match because broadcaster FOX was airing a commercial break.

Reminder: The 2026 FIFA World Cup is already underway, with the tournament being hosted across three countries: the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Unfortunately, however, a serious threat has emerged over the competition.