Infantino Stands Firm: FIFA to Keep Hydration Breaks, Citing Positive Impact

FIFA is likely to retain hydration breaks for future World Cups, despite negative reactions to the additional stoppages during this year's tournament.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino defended the decision to implement the breaks, which occur midway through each half at this World Cup, suggesting they might even enhance fan enjoyment.

He added that FIFA would analyze future tournament approaches "based on this experience." However, amidst criticism that the breaks are a covert method for inserting advertisements or American-style timeouts, Infantino maintained that the interruptions are beneficial.

"Perhaps the coach can reassess certain situations, correct certain mistakes. Players get a short rest and return at full speed. Well, is that necessarily a bad thing? Maybe it's good," he stated.

"And we also see the intensity of the matches. We've never seen 90 minutes in a tournament like this played with such intensity. Until the very last second of the game, players are attacking. And perhaps this is also partly thanks to that small break the players get, allowing them to return to the field and showcase their abilities," the FIFA president further commented.

The World Cup has certainly delivered plenty of entertainment so far, with goals scored at a record pace and stellar performances from stars like Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappé. There have also been surprises from debutants Cape Verde and Curaçao, despite concerns that expanding the tournament from 32 to 48 teams would dilute the quality of football.