World Cup 2026: FIFA respond after angry England fans slam 'nonsense' hydration break | OneFootball

First-half stoppage during Ghana clash came quickly after a long injury pause

FIFA have responded after criticism of the first-half hydration break that quickly followed a lengthy injury stoppage during England’s 0-0 draw with Ghana at the World Cup.

The Three Lions were playing their second Group L game against Carlos Queiroz’s side at Boston Stadium on Tuesday, when a clash of heads between Jordan Ayew and Reece James caused a pause in play in the 20th minute.

While the duo received medical treatment, both sets of players went back to their respective benches to take on fluids and speak to their coaches.

After just over a minute, referee Said Martinez instructed the players to move away from the touchline, indicating that there would be a hydration break in two minutes.

Familiar sight: The scene during the first-half hydration break as England faced Ghana at the World Cup

The game restarted just over three minutes after the initial stoppage. Play continued for around another two minutes before Martinez then paused play again for the FIFA-mandated hydration break.

There were also loud boos heard from fans around the stadium - a common occurrence during the controversial hydration breaks at this World Cup.

Hydration breaks were first announced for the World Cup in December 2025 after their use at the 2025 Club World Cup, which was held in the United States last summer.

They are three-minute breaks that take place 22 minutes into each half and have proved massively divisive at the tournament so far.

In that initial announcement, chief tournament officer Manolo Zubiria addressed the possibility of episodes arising such as the one witnessed in the first half between England and Ghana.

“Obviously, if there’s an injury (stoppage) at the moment of the 20th or 21st minute and it’s ongoing, this will be addressed on the spot with the referee,” Zubiria said.