FOX was accused of botching the World Cup's first hydration-break test after viewers said commercials ran long during Mexico vs South Africa .
The 2026 World Cup opened with Mexico beating South Africa 2-0 at Estadio Azteca, but the American broadcast quickly became its own controversy.
That is a brutal start for a network carrying the tournament in the United States. Fans can forgive awkward studio choices, but missing live World Cup action is a different level of frustration.
Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images
As Jorge Torres posted, FOX already had viewers annoyed after the network did not show the opening ceremony live when it actually happened.
One fan framed that first complaint bluntly: "Maybe try showing the opening ceremony live when it actually happened."
The backlash got worse during the hydration breaks. FIFA introduced mandatory three-minute stoppages in each half for the 2026 tournament, with player welfare the official reason in a summer World Cup across North America.
Broadcasters are allowed to use those pauses for commercials, but they still have to be back for live action. That is where FOX appeared to lose viewers.
One angry fan wrote: "All it took was literally the second hydration break for FOX to run too many commercials and miss some live action. Absolutely ridiculous conceit."
Another viewer saw it coming: "Had a feeling they were gonna mess that up. First half coming back from commercials dropped right into action."
A solution also came from fans. One asked: "I don't get why they don't split screen it."
Another post summed up the accusation: "FIFA (supposedly) has rules for broadcasters during World Cup hydration breaks. Fox broke them during the very first game, and even missed match action showing commercials."
The frustration was sharper because the match itself had plenty going on. Mexico won 2-0, with Julián Quiñones scoring early and Raúl Jiménez adding the second after halftime.
The opener also had three red cards, with South Africa reduced to nine men and Mexico defender César Montes sent off late.
Mexico now leads Group A with three points and a plus-two goal difference. South Africa sit at the bottom after one match, with no points and suspension problems already building.
Mexico plays Korea Republic next on June 18 in Guadalajara, while South Africa faces Czechia in Atlanta the same day.
FOX will have bigger USMNT moments ahead, including the United States opener against Paraguay in Los Angeles. But this was the wrong kind of first impression.
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