The 2026 FIFA World Cup has already played host to some unprecedented moments in football.
Several new rules are in place, with nations only allowed to take five seconds for throw-ins, while VAR can now get involved in the award of a corner.
Another new introduction at the World Cup is hydration breaks. FIFA are insisting on a three-minute break after 22 minutes of each half regardless of the weather, a stoppage which is causing matches to lose flow and also seeing coaches take full advantage by holding tactical presentations.
Now – speaking on the Stick To Football podcast – Gary Neville has ordered FIFA to step in and put an end to how these hydration breaks are currently structured.
While chatting to Roy Keane and Ian Wright on the matter, the former Manchester United and England star said: "It's a stealth advertising break, isn't it? They've got tactics boards out now, coaches. I think FIFA are going to have to act quickly now. If it's a drinks break, there's going to have to be an element of, the coaches stay on the bench, you can't put tactics boards up.
"There was one game where I think they actually had a screen and showed a set-piece! I mean, we're talking about, effectively, a mini half-time. I'm surprised it's not been stamped on pretty quickly, because it is a stealth advertising break."
https://open.spotify.com/embed?uri=spotify%3Aepisode%3A4F0GAPWy90c7imDTZNU1q0
It is becoming a bit ridiculous now.
Even in games where the stadium has a roof and air conditioning, matches are being stopped for basically no reason other than for broadcasters to show advertisements.
Some of these breaks – which Alexi Lalas also dislikes – even take place immediately after a player has just received treatment for an injury, meaning matches at the World Cup this summer are sometimes halted for as many as six or seven minutes.
Of course, if every single game was being played in sweltering conditions, then the hydration breaks make sense.
However, given the way these breaks are now being exploited by nations and with matches frequently losing rhythm, FIFA must step in and ensure they are only happening on a game-by-game basis.
