According to a report from The Athletic, FIFA has implemented a controversial decision regarding the upcoming World Cup games. Television networks will now have the option to broadcast commercial breaks during the hydration breaks mandated within the matches. This change is expected to affect the viewing experience, as games will now effectively be divided into four segments to accommodate these interruptions, despite games being held in cool or fully air-conditioned environments.

Starting this World Cup, each match will include two hydration breaks lasting three minutes, taken at the halfway point of each 45-minute half. This means that viewers may witness advertisement interruptions during play, a significant departure from traditional football broadcasting where commercial breaks only occur during halftime. The implementation aligns FIFA with practices seen in sports like basketball and American football, where breaks allow for commercial gains.

The announcement raises questions about the integrity of the game and the viewing experience, as audiences must now contend with the disruption of play for advertisements. While the financial benefits for FIFA and broadcasters may be significant, fans and purists may perceive this as a step away from the essence of football, potentially altering how the game is experienced both live and on television.