The 2026 World Cup hydration breaks have received a fair amount of criticism so far but Jurgen Klopp took the general distaste to a whole new level with a blistering rant
03:28, 14 Jun 2026Updated 03:35, 14 Jun 2026
Jurgen Klopp, Red Bull Head of Global Soccer, speaks during the official opening of New York Red Bulls new training facilities
Jurgen Klopp has slammed the hydration break(Image: Getty Images)
Jurgen Klopp has gone in two-footed on FIFA over the hydration breaks at this year’s World Cup, claiming they are nothing other than excuses to make more money.
The stoppages occur at the halfway point of each 45, giving players three minutes to rest and drink in the grueling heat. So far, temperatures have reached as high as 90F (33C), with the sun beating down on the pitch.
But broadcast networks like FOX have capitalized on this by using the stoppages to cut to commercials. This is typically uncommon during soccer, with coverage uninterrupted in both halves.
In the very first game of the World Cup, FOX got too greedy and ran ads for so long that it missed crucial game action. As expected, the move has been widely panned.
Now, former Liverpool head coach Klopp has had his say, slamming those in charge for allowing it.
"Football is being held hostage by executives ensconced in air-conditioned offices," he seethed on German television channel ZDF, via L’Equipe. Adding the breaks are a "shield for player well-being, a noble sword against the heat," when in fact they are "nothing more than a gilded cage built for sponsors."
"When I saw the players standing there during a heatwave break while the televised timeouts dictated the pace of the match, I couldn't help but wonder: who does the World Cup really serve?" he posed. "The fans? The players? Or the advertisers?
A hydration break interrupts Qatar vs Switzerland
A hydration break interrupts Qatar vs Switzerland
"A World Cup match should flow like a river. Instead, we’re building dams right in the middle so that advertisements can pass through.
"It’s dangerous for the spirit of the game. Football used to be the main event, but now it risks becoming the background music for an advertising spectacle."
He added, "The ball is supposed to be the star," and "football shouldn’t become an interruption between advertisements."
FOX’s move to do so drew the ire of a Telemundo (USA’s Spanish broadcast network) reporter, who urged viewers to join their coverage instead.
"We DO NOT cut to commercials during the hydration break. Join us for uninterrupted football on @Telemundo and @TelemundoSports," Alejandro Berry said.
A hydration break at MetLife stadium
The hydration breaks have been slammed
He received a wave of support from his followers.
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"Telemundo clears Fox, announcers are miles better (you don’t even need to understand Spanish tbh, it’s just better than listening to Fox commentary)," one replied.
"I couldn’t believe it when the game went on water breaks and no ads came on," another said.
"Thanks. Made the switch and not going back," a third stated. "I can admit it was better than Fox nonsense with the ads," a fourth said.