The World Cup is in full swing, but it's not just the matches that are causing a stir. The tournament has been marred by a controversial decision that has left football fans worldwide up in arms. The introduction of hydration breaks during matches has sparked outrage, with many questioning the motives behind this rule. The breaks, which occur around the 22-minute mark of each half, are a clear money grab by FIFA, as evidenced by the advertisements that play during these breaks. The rule has been widely ridiculed, and it's not hard to see why. With temperatures not excessive at several games, the breaks seem unnecessary and are turning World Cup matches into a game of quarters. This is not the only controversy surrounding the tournament. The opening game between Mexico and South Africa saw viewers miss the restart of live play due to advertisements, breaking the rule that broadcasters must return from commercials 30 seconds before play resumes. ITV’s managing director of commercial, Kelly Williams, called the tournament television advertising’s “six-week summer Super Bowl moment”.
The hydration breaks are not the only issue. The tournament has also been marred by theft. England goalkeeper Dean Henderson had his training equipment stolen, including his boots, ahead of the squad’s arrival at their World Cup training base. The Kansas City mayor, Quinton Lucas, stated that officials at “local, state and federal levels” were investigating the theft from vehicles transferring equipment from England’s training camp in Florida. Most of the items have now been recovered, and Henderson was able to get his boots back.
The tournament has also seen the return of a legendary goalkeeper, Manuel Neuer. The 40-year-old will start in goal for Germany against Curacao in his fifth World Cup. The game will be the goalkeeper’s first appearance for Germany for nearly two years, as he had to nurse a calf injury in the build-up to the 2026 tournament. The inclusion of Neuer leaves Oliver Baumann, who has largely been Germany’s number one in the last two years, on the bench.
The tournament has also seen the departure of a Japanese captain, Wataru Endo. The Liverpool midfielder abruptly announced on Thursday that his international career was over, having failed to recover from injury ahead of Japan’s opening match of the tournament against the Netherlands in Dallas on Sunday. The coach, Hajime Moriyasu, said it had been his call that the 33-year-old should not be involved following a foot injury. Endo made his Japan debut in 2015 and retires with 73 caps, having scored four goals for his country.
The Netherlands have also been hit by injuries, with Tottenham attacker Xavi Simons and Arsenal defender Jurrien Timber missing from the squad. However, the team is still expected to perform well, with Memphis Depay, the Netherlands’ all-time top goalscorer, fit to start the World Cup opener against Japan. The Dutch have been World Cup runners-up three times and are fancied to go far again in North America.
The tournament has also seen the rise of a young winger, Crysencio Summerville. The 22-year-old enjoyed a good season with West Ham, despite their relegation from the Premier League, and is in strong contention to start for the Dutch. The tournament has been a mix of controversies and talent, with the hydration breaks and theft issues overshadowing the matches. However, the tournament is still expected to be a success, with the return of legendary players and the rise of young talent.
