FIFA World Cup's most-hated hydration breaks could be 'soft-launched' in the Champions League
One of the most controversial features introduced at the 2026 World Cup could have a life beyond the tournament, with former England goalkeeper Ben Foster fearing that what began as a tournament measure could eventually become part of the regular club football landscape.
Hydration breaks proved hugely unpopular with sections of supporters during the World Cup, with the three-minute stoppages midway through each half disrupting the flow of matches and prompting questions over whether football was becoming too fragmented. Foster now believes the Premier League and Champions League could eventually face the same change, although the Premier League has confirmed that it will not introduce mandatory, blanket hydration breaks among its rule changes for the 2026-27 season.
Hydration breaks proved hugely unpopular with sections of supporters during the World Cup, with the three-minute stoppages midway through each half disrupting the flow of matches and prompting questions over whether football was becoming too fragmented. Foster now believes the Premier League and Champions League could eventually face the same change, although the Premier League has confirmed that it will not introduce mandatory, blanket hydration breaks among its rule changes for the 2026-27 season.
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