The boos started from both sets of supporters as soon as referee ⁠Clement Turpin blew his whistle for the hydration break. | Photo Credit: Getty Images

Loud boos ​echoed around Dallas Stadium at the start of ‌the first hydration break during the FIFA World ​Cup 2026 clash between England and Croatia ⁠on Wednesday as fans signalled their disdain for the innovation.

FIFA’s mandatory three-minute breaks, one in each half, ‌have proved controversial since being introduced for the first time at this World ‌Cup to help players deal with ‌the ⁠heat and humidity of the North American ⁠summer.

Some critics say the breaks kill the flow of the game, while others see their introduction as a cynical ​ploy to split ‌the game into four quarters and allow broadcasters more opportunities to show adverts.

Some England fans had said on social media they would ‌signal their objection at Wednesday’s match and ​the boos started from both sets of supporters as soon as referee ⁠Clement Turpin blew his whistle to signal the break in the 22nd minute.

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The hydration break also ‌received a cold reception in chilly Toronto for the day’s other Group L encounter as fans booed while players from Panama and Ghana walked toward their respective benches as a steady rain poured down.

There were also boos ‌from the crowd when the first break started on ​Tuesday in Norway’s match against Iraq at Boston Stadium, where the temperature was ⁠a mild 23 degrees Celsius (73.4°F).

Iraq was holding the Norwegians ⁠at 0-0 and playing well when the break started but conceded a goal ‌four minutes after play resumed and lost 4-1.

Published on Jun 18, 2026