Wenger explained why FIFA introduced hydration breaks during the 2026 World Cup

The head of FIFA's global football development department, Arsene Wenger, said that after the end of the 2026 World Cup, the organization will conduct a detailed analysis of the use of mandatory hydration breaks that were in place during the tournament. According to the French official, the innovation caused a mixed reaction among fans, but FIFA was primarily guided by the safety of football players. "Sometimes people didn't like it. After the World Cup, we'll analyze what impact these breaks had. I didn't think they changed the results of the matches, but we work for people who watch football, so we'll draw conclusions after the tournament." Wenger noted that the rule applied to all matches without exception, even those played in indoor arenas. "In many matches, especially in indoor stadiums, people were unhappy about this, but even before the start of the competition we decided to apply this rule to everyone." The official also spoke about the expanded format of the World Cup, stressing that the decision justified itself. "Before the start of the tournament, this decision raised questions, but from an ethical point of view, it was necessary to give a chance to more national teams. I am convinced that it was the right decision, and it turned out to be successful," he said. It will be recalled that FIFA received income from the 2026 World Cup.