Published on 6/18/2026
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Last update: 01:50 (Mecca time)
Loud boos echoed throughout Dallas Stadium at the start of the wet break during the first half of England’s World Cup match against Croatia on Wednesday, as fans expressed their dissatisfaction with this new rule.
The mandatory three-minute hydration breaks for drinking water imposed by FIFA, which last for each half, have sparked great controversy since they were first implemented in the current World Cup, with the aim of helping players withstand the heat and humidity of summer in North America.
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Some critics say that these breaks interrupt the flow of the match, and others believe that their introduction is merely a ploy to divide the match into four quarters and provide more opportunities for broadcast stations to display advertisements.
Planned interception
Some England fans announced on social media that they would voice their objection during Wednesday’s match, and booing began from fans of both teams as soon as French referee Clément Turpin blew his whistle to signal the break in the 22nd minute.
There were boos from the fans when the first humidification break began yesterday, Tuesday, in Norway’s match against Iraq at Boston Stadium, where the temperature was moderate at 23 degrees Celsius (73.4 degrees Fahrenheit).
Iraq was tied with Norway without goals and was performing well when the break began, but they conceded a goal four minutes after the restart and ultimately lost 4-1.
