World Cup fans boo hydration breaks as England fight back three times against Croatia

Fans inside Dallas Stadium booed loudly when referee Clement Turpin signalled the first hydration break in the 22nd minute of England’s World Cup group-stage match against Croatia on Wednesday, with both sets of supporters making their displeasure unmistakable. The protests continued in the second half when a second three-minute stoppage was called, interrupting what had become a thrilling contest.

FIFA introduced the mandatory breaks for the first time at this tournament, citing the intense heat and humidity of the North American summer as justification. Critics, however, argue the stoppages shatter the natural rhythm of matches, and some have suggested they are a commercial device designed to split games into four quarters and generate additional advertising revenue for broadcasters.

England supporters had signalled their intention to protest on social media before kick-off, and the coordinated boos that followed were echoed by Croatian fans in the stands.

The stoppages came amid a contest full of momentum swings. Harry Kane scored twice and Jude Bellingham added a solo effort to give England the lead on three separate occasions, only for Croatia to level each time through Martin Baturina and Petar Susa.

The controversy is not confined to Dallas. Similar vocal disapproval was heard at Boston Stadium on Tuesday during Norway’s match against Iraq, despite the temperature being a relatively mild 23 degrees Celsius. Iraq had been holding Norway to a goalless draw and performing strongly when the break was called; four minutes after play resumed, Norway scored, and they eventually ran out 4-1 winners.

A hydration break also featured in Germany’s opening fixture on Sunday, taken shortly after debutants Curacao equalised. Germany went on to win 7-1 as they rediscovered their rhythm after the stoppage.

The pattern across multiple matches has intensified calls from fans and pundits for FIFA to reconsider the format, though the governing body has given no indication it plans to alter the policy for the remainder of the tournament.