FIFA said the water breaks that took place during the England vs Ghana match were intended to ensure a level playing field for all teams participating in the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Mexico and Canada, despite play being halted for several minutes due to head injuries.
British news agency PA Media reported that German coach Thomas Tuchel, the England national team manager, criticised the breaks, which were repeatedly booed by English fans. FIFA, however, has approved water breaks for all matches currently being played at the World Cup in the interest of player welfare.
In the 26th minute, Honduran referee Said Martinez called a water break, with US broadcaster Fox, the tournament's rights holder, airing commercials during every break so far.
FIFA told PA Media that water breaks are applied to all teams in every match in order to ensure a level playing field.
A FIFA spokesperson added: "We want to guarantee equal opportunities for everyone, and that is why these breaks are applied in every match."
Criticising the water breaks ahead of the Ghana match, Tuchel said: "I think they disrupt and change the course of the game more than I expected. I have had water breaks before when it was very hot and I really needed them, but they were shorter. Now they basically divide the match into four quarters."