One of the most contentious talking points so far at the 2026 FIFA World Cup has been the mandatory hydration breaks. There have been proponents of the move (including Egypt’s Mo Salah), but most have criticized it as another money grab from FIFA as they look to plow screens with even more ads.
In the midst of all the noise, former USMNT star Alexi Lalas has thrown his support behind the controversial move, drawing criticism from the soccer world.
Soccer World Hits Out at Alexi Lalas for Supporting Hydration Breaks
Hydration breaks are certainly not the norm in soccer, where players typically play 45 minutes plus stoppage time before a 15-minute half-time break. However, FIFA has made these breaks mandatory for the 2026 World Cup.
Critics argue that these three-minute breaks disrupt players’ rhythm, and some claim the rule was implemented only so broadcasters could show more ads.
The rule has found some support from Lalas, who called it a win-win. The Fox analyst is of the opinion that the rule benefits both the players and advertisers.
“I have no problem with hydration breaks. It benefits players and advertisers. Win/win. Yes, it changes how you play/coach/watch, but so did substitutions, 3 pts for win, VAR, etc. Evolve and adapt. There will be a generation whose version of the beautiful game includes quarters,” Lalas wrote on X.
However, Lalas’ comment did not go down well with the rest of the soccer world. NFL journalist Joe Schad led the criticism of Lalas, who has become a divisive figure in American soccer in recent years.
“Alexi Lalas likes hydration breaks. Because of course he does,” he wrote.
Alexi Lalas likes hydration breaks
Because of course he does https://t.co/7YMLJ3T0BH
— Joe Schad (@schadjoe) June 15, 2026
A prominent soccer content creator also hit out at Lalas.
“Thankfully, there are some 2 billion people all over the planet who think Alexi Lalas is talking absolute bollocks,” they wrote.
Thankfully, there are some 2 billion people all over the planet who think Alexi Lalas is talking absolute bollocks. https://t.co/MmLHpncenR
— HLTCO (@HLTCO) June 16, 2026
Dutch journalist Karsten Krogh also chimed in on Lalas’ take, claiming that the hydration breaks are driven by broadcasters’ commercial interests.
“Lalas has no problem with hydration breaks. The problem with his argument is that the things he’s comparing them to actually improved the game (VAR is debatable), whereas these hydration breaks are, after all, 90% driven by commercial interests,” he opined.
Lalas har intet problem med hydration breaks. Problemet med hans argumentation er, at de ting han sammenligner med gjorde spillet bedre (VAR kan diskuteres), mens disse drikkepauser jo bare er 90% lavet af kommercielle årsager. https://t.co/yLCvMxZr4W
— Karsten Krogh (@KarstenKrogh14) June 15, 2026
A youth soccer coach claimed that this rule and Lalas’ comment were an attempt at “Americanizing” the sport. Ad breaks during timeouts and in between plays are commonplace in the NFL and NBA.
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“Alexi, stop trying to Americanize the game. It stems from insecurity and fair play, you admitted that the other day on screen. Fatigue and on-field communication is a huge part of the game and has been since its inception. We don’t want football to look like NFL or NBA,” he wrote.
Alexi, stop trying to Americanize the game. It stems from insecurity and fair play, you admitted that the other day on screen.
Fatigue and on-field communication is a huge part of the game and has been since its inception.
We don’t want football to look like NFL or NBA.
— Paul Spacey ⚽️ (@PaulSpacey) June 15, 2026
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The introduction of hydration breaks has also drawn criticism from players at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with Netherlands captain Virgil van Dijk claiming they disrupt the flow of the games.
