Arsene Wenger has acknowledged that the mandatory hydration breaks introduced at FIFA World Cup 2026 have proven unpopular with fans, and confirmed that FIFA will conduct a full review of their impact once the tournament concludes.

FIFA made three-minute hydration breaks compulsory across all matches held at stadiums in the United States, Mexico, and Canada, regardless of weather conditions. The governing body framed the measure as a commitment to player welfare, though critics have questioned whether broadcasters — who can fill the stoppages with commercials — are the primary beneficiaries.

Wenger acknowledges fan frustration

Wenger, who serves as FIFA's head of global football development and previously managed Arsenal, conceded that the breaks have drawn widespread dissatisfaction. "Sometimes people didn't like" them, he said, adding that FIFA will "analyse after the World Cup what the impact was."

"It didn't look to me that it changed the results but we are here to serve people that watch football and we will come to conclusions afterwards," Wenger added.

He noted that frustration was particularly pronounced at covered stadiums, where the heat-related justification for the breaks felt less convincing. As the tournament progressed, supporters began booing the stoppages, a clear sign of growing discontent.

Big money at stake for broadcasters

Experts told BBC Sport that a 30-second advertising slot during World Cup coverage on Fox Sports in the United States carries a price tag of between $200,000 (£152,000) and $300,000 (£227,000), climbing as high as $750,000 (£567,000) during USA matches and the final stages of the competition.

Beyond their commercial value, the breaks have functioned as tactical timeouts, giving coaches an opportunity to communicate strategic adjustments directly to their players mid-match.

Mixed views among coaches

UEFA has ruled out adopting similar breaks in European competition. England manager Thomas Tuchel expressed his opposition earlier in the tournament, arguing the stoppages "interrupt and change the identity of a football match."

Spain head coach Luis de la Fuente took a different view, saying last month: "I am always interested in the health of my players. I think it's the right measure — a pause, freshen up and continue."

Expanded World Cup deemed a success

Separately, Wenger backed the decision to expand FIFA World Cup 2026 to 48 teams, up from the traditional 32. "It was questioned before it started but we found it was ethically needed to give a chance to more teams. I am convinced it was the right decision and it was a great success," he said.