FIFA cancel World Cup hydration break after France chaos forces decision

The hydration break was abandoned in the second half of France's World Cup clash against Iraq. The anticipated scorching temperatures across North America prompted FIFA to announce last December that it would introduce three-minute breaks midway through each half at all 104 matches of this summer's World Cup.

However, the breaks have proved somewhat contentious, not only allowing commercial broadcasters to air advertisements during them, but also enabling managers to issue tactical instructions to their players while disrupting the natural flow of matches.

The second-half break during France's encounter with Iraq was scrapped after the resumption was held up by more than two hours due to severe weather conditions. A FIFA spokesperson simply confirmed: "No hydration break in the second half."

Torrential rain fell towards the end of the first half at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, with lightning also closing in on the stadium. Supporters were instructed by officials to 'exit the open seating areas' of the ground during the interval.

FIFA initially confirmed that the second-half restart would be pushed back by at least 15 minutes, as the safety of players and fans was prioritised. Yet it was more than two hours before proceedings resumed, with France holding a 1-0 advantage at the break courtesy of Kylian Mbappe's goal after just 14 minutes.

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Numerous pundits have made their displeasure at the introduction of hydration breaks abundantly clear, while booing from supporters whenever drinks breaks occur has become an increasingly common occurrence. Virgil van Dijk also weighed in with his criticism following the Netherlands' 2-2 draw with Japan, a match that was divided into four quarters at the air-conditioned AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.

When quizzed on the matter, the centre-back laughed before remarking: "Hydration breaks are a bit interesting, because I was obviously watching almost all the games up until today, and every time going to commercial is a bit ... Not really that I like it.

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France vs Iraq was delayed for two hours. (Image: Getty)

"I think for the neutral watchers on TV it's also not great. If it's really hot, obviously it would be good to put them in. But I think you have to look at it in every game, separately, in my opinion. But I think I've said enough already for that."

France manager Didier Deschamps, however, revealed he is firmly in favour of the breaks ahead of his side's opening fixture against Senegal. He said: "These hydration breaks for three minutes, you can get the players close to you and this gives you an opportunity to adjust a couple of things as regards the 22-23 mins of game that just took place.

"With the high temperatures, it's important to be able to give this extra opportunity, two opportunities to the head coach. It's a good thing -- this is a fact, but it leads us to split the game and if you're in a strong position, following this break you have to start playing again. But we adapt to this, even in our prep work we've anticipated this.

"It's not two half times its four quarter times, this is what we've got, what's been decided, so the players and the coaches adapt to this new reality, but you get to speak an extra two times."

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