"Purely a sporting matter": FIFA President Infantino defends WC2026 hydration breaks

FIFA President Gianni Infantino has defended the new three-minute hydration breaks at the World Cup 2026, emphasizing their purely sporting purpose to combat extreme heat and ensure fair play. Despite criticism from some coaches about tactical disruptions, Infantino insists the breaks offer a crucial rest period for players over the tournament's duration and do not generate extra revenue for FIFA, as commercial deals were pre-arranged.