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Arsène Wenger: Hydration breaks did not change World Cup results
🇨🇱 Chile /Sports

Arsène Wenger: Hydration breaks did not change World Cup results

From Cooperativa · () Spanish

Translated from Spanish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Sources not specified Outcome reported
  • FIFA's Arsène Wenger stated that hydration breaks during the 2026 World Cup did not appear to alter match outcomes.
  • Wenger acknowledged that while some fans disliked the breaks in covered stadiums, they were a medical necessity due to high temperatures in other matches.
  • He also praised the expanded 48-team format, saying it was necessary to give more national teams opportunities.

Arsène Wenger, FIFA's head of global football development, reflected on the 2026 World Cup, particularly the hydration breaks implemented during matches. As the tournament nears its July 19 final at MetLife Stadium, Wenger suggested these pauses did not significantly impact game results. "I felt they did not change the results; we will draw conclusions when the tournament ends and we analyze it," he stated. The former Arsenal manager also noted that the breaks were unpopular with spectators in stadiums with roofs. However, he defended them as a "medical necessity" for games played in extreme heat. Wenger also voiced support for the tournament's expanded format, which increased from 32 to 48 teams. "It was necessary to give more selections opportunities," he commented, highlighting the benefit of wider participation.

no gustaron a la gente

— Arsène WengerDescribing fan reaction to hydration breaks in covered stadiums.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Cooperativa in Spanish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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