​Arsene Wenger, FIFA’s head of global football development, has acknowledged that the use of mandatory hydration breaks at this year’s World Cup divided opinion among players, coaches, fans and viewers. Speaking ahead of the World Cup final between Spain and Argentina, the former Arsenal manager said FIFA would review the impact of the breaks after the tournament before deciding whether the policy should be used in the same way at future competitions.
Wenger, who was pictured during the World Cup alongside Brazil legend Roberto Carlos, admitted that the stoppages were not welcomed by everyone. FIFA introduced three-minute hydration breaks midway through each half for every match at the tournament, regardless of temperature, stadium conditions or whether the game was being played under a closed roof. The measure was presented as part of FIFA’s commitment to player welfare, particularly in matches played in hot weather, but it also sparked debate among supporters and analysts.
“Sometimes people didn’t like it and we have to analyse after the World Cup what the impact was,” Wenger told reporters during a briefing on the eve of the final. His comments suggested that FIFA remains open to adjusting the system, especially after criticism that the breaks disrupted the rhythm of matches when they appeared unnecessary in cooler conditions.
Hydration breaks have become an increasingly important topic in modern football, especially as international tournaments are played in a wide range of climates. FIFA said the aim of the policy was to protect players from fatigue, dehydration and heat-related health risks during high-intensity matches. However, because the breaks were applied universally, even in stadiums with controlled conditions, critics questioned whether they were always needed.
Some observers also argued that the scheduled breaks created additional commercial opportunities, with broadcasters able to show advertising during the pauses in play. That led to accusations that the hydration breaks were not only about player welfare, but also about increasing revenue. FIFA has maintained that the decision was made in the interests of protecting footballers during a demanding tournament schedule.
Wenger said he did not believe the breaks had a decisive influence on results, but accepted that the experience of fans and viewers must be taken into account. “It didn’t look to me that it changed the results, but we are here to serve people that watch football and we will come to conclusions afterwards,” he said.
He added that the decision to apply the rule to every game had been made before the start of the competition in order to ensure consistency. “In many games, especially when the stadium was covered, people were not happy with it, but at the start of the competition it was decided to do it for everybody,” Wenger explained.
The debate around World Cup hydration breaks has reflected a broader conversation about balancing player safety, entertainment value and the commercial demands of elite football. Coaches have offered different views during the tournament, with some supporting the measure and others suggesting it interrupted momentum at key moments.
Spain coach Luis de la Fuente was among those who defended the breaks early in the competition. He argued that, given the physical demands of World Cup football and the often hot conditions, players benefited from short pauses to recover. “It is difficult to sustain that level of physical exertion for long periods and I believe those breaks offer a brief respite to recharge and continue competing well,” he said.
Beyond the hydration break debate, Wenger also praised the expanded World Cup format, which featured 48 teams instead of the previous 32. The decision to increase the size of the tournament had been controversial before kick-off, with critics warning that it could dilute the quality of competition or create an overcrowded schedule. Wenger, however, said the tournament had justified FIFA’s decision.
“It was questioned before it started but we found it was ethically needed to give a chance to more teams,” Wenger said. “I am convinced it was the right decision and it was a great success.”
According to Wenger, the expanded FIFA World Cup gave more nations the opportunity to compete on the biggest stage in international football, helping to grow the game globally and create new storylines for fans around the world. As FIFA reviews the tournament after the final, both the 48-team format and the use of hydration breaks are expected to form part of the wider assessment of how future World Cups should be organized.