FIFA president Gianni Infantino has signalled his support for retaining hydration breaks at future World Cup tournaments, despite widespread criticism of the stoppages that interrupted play at this year's edition.

The cooling and hydration breaks, introduced at the 2026 World Cup to help players cope with extreme heat, drew complaints from fans and pundits who argued the interruptions disrupted the rhythm and spectacle of matches. Nevertheless, Infantino has indicated FIFA is open to keeping them as a permanent fixture of the tournament.

The breaks were implemented as a welfare measure, allowing players to rehydrate and recover briefly during matches played in high-temperature conditions. Their use sparked debate about the balance between player safety and the flow of the game.

FIFA is now expected to review the policy ahead of future competitions, weighing the health benefits for players against concerns over the impact on match quality and viewer experience.