Gianni Infantino: Hydration breaks at World Cup bring no extra revenue for FIFA

FIFA president Gianni Infantino has dismissed claims that hydration breaks at the 2026 World Cup are a source of additional revenue for the organization, insisting they are a purely sporting matter.

Three-minute pauses midway through both halves were introduced to help players cope with extreme heat during the tournament in North America. While the breaks have faced mixed reactions from coaches and some booing from fans, Infantino clarified that all commercial agreements were finalized well before these measures were implemented.

There is no additional revenue for Fifa, as all commercial agreements were signed well in advance. This is not a financial issue for us. For us, it is purely a sporting matter. Gianni Infantino

Infantino emphasized that the primary motivation is to ensure equal conditions for all participating nations. He argued that it would be unfair for some coaches to have the chance to adjust tactics due to extreme heat while others, playing in cooler conditions or air-conditioned stadiums, do not have the same opportunity.

Despite FIFA's stance on revenue, broadcasters in various regions are utilizing these pauses for commercial advertising. Experts suggest that advertising slots during these breaks could generate more than $250 million in the US market alone, highlighting the financial value the breaks hold for television networks.