'It's just for ads' - Our readers share their thoughts on World Cup hydration breaks

Hydration breaks during the 2026 World Cup in the US have become somewhat of a topic of debate for many fans tuning in.

FIFA implemented water breaks for player safety due to weather conditions - but they have been widely criticised for turning football matches into four quarters.

While some agree that they are “needed in the US heat”, while others argue that they cause “momentum loss” in matches or believe that they are “an excuse for more ad breaks.”

England fans openly booed the hydration breaks during their side's 4-2 win over Croatia in Dallas, Texas this week (June 17) and pundits such as Gary Neville and Roy Keane have urged FIFA to “act quickly” over it.

Neville said: "I think FIFA are going to have to act quite quickly now. [It's] effectively a mini-half-time, four quarters. I am surprised it's not been stamped on pretty quickly, and I think it is a stealth advertising break."

Keane added: "The problem is the other night the weather was lovely. It was a lovely cool evening, particularly the second half, and the game you were thinking 'there's a bit of momentum, you can smell something here'.

"And sometimes it comes on the back of a player being injured, so you've waited two or three minutes for a player to get treatment, the game kicks off and they go 'oh no, we have a hydration break'."

So, we asked our readers of the Express & Star and sister title Shropshire Star what they thought and found that while some agreed with them - many more were less enthused.

Around 61% (13) of people who responded to our social media polls said they disagreed with the decision. A commenter said: “It is for ads. Killing the mood,” while another joked: “I’m fine with that as long as they only have 3 pints.”

Among the 39% (8) who agreed with them were people who agreed that it was only needed if the weather was particularly warm. A reader said: “Only when required due to the actual temperature.”

Another commented: “Agree if the weather conditions dictate. Definitely not for coaching and tactics delivery.”

Want to let us know your thoughts? You can on our Express & Star and Shropshire Star Facebook pages.