Gary Neville, Roy Keane and Ian Wright have called on FIFA to intervene over the controversial use of hydration breaks during World Cup matches.
The protocol was initially introduced at the Club World Cup to protect player welfare amid sweltering temperatures across North America.
However, the pause in play has increasingly drawn criticism for evolving into an unofficial tactical timeout and commercial opportunity.
Matches are now effectively being divided into four 25-minute quarters, drawing unwelcome comparisons to North American sports like the NFL and NBA.
‘Mini-half-time’ frustrating players
Netherlands captain Virgil van Dijk expressed his displeasure with the fragmented format following his nation’s recent 2-2 draw with Japan.
Spectators and pundits alike have also voiced frustration that broadcasters are using the stoppage to squeeze in additional television commercials.
Speaking on The Overlap, former Manchester United defender Neville insisted world football’s governing body must stamp out the blatant misuse of the rule.
“I think FIFA are going to have to act quite quickly now.”
Gary Neville
The former England full-back argued that coaches should be forced to remain on the bench during the designated drinking periods.
Protecting the pace of the game
Neville noted that some managers have even utilised television screens to demonstrate set-piece routines during the three-minute intervals.
Ex-Arsenal striker Wright firmly agreed with his television colleague, rejecting the notion that the commercialisation was subtle by labelling it a blatant advertising grab.
Meanwhile, former Republic of Ireland captain Keane argued that the stoppages severely damage the fundamental appeal of the sport.
The iconic midfielder suggested that the continuous, flowing nature of association football is exactly what keeps fans globally engaged.
“We love football because of the pace of the game. You don’t want to go to the toilet, you might miss something!”
Roy Keane
Keane warned that introducing predictable pauses gives supporters an excuse to turn away from the action, fundamentally altering the traditional viewing experience.
Croatia are preparing to defy their small population size once again at the upcoming World Cup as they seek to build upon successive top-three finishes.
The European nation boasts a population of fewer than four million people but continually outperforms international heavyweights on the biggest stage.
Defenders such as Josko Gvardiol and former midfielders like Ivan Rakitic admit even they cannot fully explain their homeland’s extraordinary consistency.
A history of overachievement
The national side officially joined global governing body Fifa in 1992 following independence from Yugoslavia.
Despite their relatively brief footballing history, the Balkan outfit have reached the same number of semi-finals as England.
Their domestic division ranks a lowly 20th in Uefa’s coefficient list, sitting behind both Cyprus and Austria.
By contrast, European champions Italy possess a population of nearly 60 million but have failed to qualify for the past three global showpieces.
‘Maybe it is in the food’
Manchester City centre-back Gvardiol was a standout performer during the march to the bronze medal in Qatar four years ago.
The 22-year-old joked that diet might play a part before offering a more measured assessment of their collective spirit.
“Maybe it’s in the food,” Gvardiol said.
“All I can say is that we have good players who are mostly playing in top teams, and when we are with the national team, we give everything.”
Passion overcomes infrastructure
Rakitic was an instrumental figure during the spectacular run to the 2018 final in Russia where his team were ultimately defeated by France.
The former Barcelona playmaker, who retired from international duty in 2019, believes intense national pride fuels their performances.
“Truly we don’t know how it works, but I think it’s about the love for the country and feeling so proud,” Rakitic explained.
“We know that maybe our infrastructure is not at the highest level, but we give our best and I think that’s why we have big results.”
The upcoming tournament will suitably mark the 30th anniversary of the country’s first major international appearance at Euro 96.
Liverpool forward Hugo Ekitike is targeting a return to action around Christmas as he continues his recovery from a ruptured Achilles tendon sustained in April.
The 23-year-old was injured during a Champions League encounter with Paris St-Germain, effectively ruling him out for the remainder of 2026 and the upcoming World Cup.
Following surgery on the issue, the French international is expected to face a lengthy rehabilitation process.
Mental health and physical recovery
Reports from France suggest the attacker has endured immense pain over the past two months.
To protect his mental well-being during the challenging initial stages of recovery, he reportedly pretended that the sport had entirely ceased to exist.
Despite the severe setback, medical staff on Merseyside are understood to be pleased with his recent progress.
The former Eintracht Frankfurt man is currently focusing on upper body strength conditioning to accelerate his eventual return to the pitch.
‘A massive blow’ for club and country
Prior to the injury, the £69m summer signing had enjoyed an outstanding debut campaign at Anfield.
The lightning-fast striker found the net 17 times before his season was cruelly curtailed.
Taking to social media shortly after his diagnosis, he expressed gratitude for the backing he had received from supporters.
“It’s hard, maybe even unfair, but I’m grateful this is happening to me here, among you. Your strength and your love will be my driving force.”
National team manager Didier Deschamps also offered his unwavering support, acknowledging the profound impact of the player’s absence.
“This injury is a massive blow for him, obviously, but also for the French national team. His disappointment is immense.”
Didier Deschamps
Deschamps added that the entire coaching staff firmly believes the young forward will eventually return to his peak level.
Cristiano Ronaldo will captain a star-studded Portugal squad featuring a strong Paris St-Germain contingent as they aim to win the 2026 World Cup under manager Roberto Martinez.
The Iberian nation are no longer considered dark horses ahead of the major tournament.
Their current squad boasts the highest number of representatives from Paris St-Germain’s starting line-up in the recent 2026 Champions League final.
Midfielders Vitinha and Joao Neves, alongside defender Nuno Mendes, form the core of that successful French club side.
Spanning the generations
Manager Roberto Martinez must find a way to successfully blend emerging youth with experienced veterans.
There is a two-decade age gap between teenage midfielder Neves and the legendary former Real Madrid forward.
They are joined in the squad by Premier League player of the year Bruno Fernandes and Manchester City playmaker Bernardo Silva.
Former Braga manager Carlos Carvalhal believes the national side possesses the tactical intelligence to dominate matches.
“In theory, we have one of the best opportunities,” said Carvalhal.
“I am not so optimistic to say that we are favourites, but we are not worse than the other teams of very high quality.”
A progressive tactical approach
Portugal previously won Euro 2016 under Fernando Santos using a rigid and pragmatic system.
However, the current Spanish head coach has implemented a much more expansive style of play since taking charge.
Carvalhal highlighted the exceptional footballing intelligence of the midfield trio and Silva.
“We are talking about four players that we can put on the pitch with such a level of understanding of the game that they are like teachers at university,” he added.
The ultimate conundrum for the coaching staff remains how best to utilise their all-time top goalscorer throughout the demanding tournament.
France face Senegal in a crucial World Cup 2026 Group I fixture at the MetLife Stadium on Tuesday.
The highly anticipated encounter pits the two footballing heavyweights against each other in the early stages of the newly expanded tournament.
Fans around the globe will be watching closely as the group dynamics begin to unfold in New Jersey.
European giants seek strong start
The 2018 world champions are determined to establish their early dominance and secure vital points to control their destiny.
Les Bleus possess a squad brimming with elite talent that regularly operates in the top domestic leagues across Europe.
However, breaking down a notoriously resilient West African defence will require immense tactical discipline and patience.
Senegal pose formidable threat
The celebrated African powerhouses are certainly no strangers to causing spectacular upsets on the global stage.
With a potent blend of imposing physicality and rapid counter-attacking speed, the Senegalese outfit presents a genuine danger to the tournament favourites.
A positive result in this transatlantic showdown would provide a massive boost to their hopes of reaching the knockout phases.
Ghana’s government has launched a legal challenge against Canada’s decision to deny Thomas Partey a visa ahead of their World Cup opener against Panama.
The Villarreal midfielder is currently set to miss Wednesday’s match in Toronto as a direct result of the entry ban.
The 33-year-old’s immigration complications stem from ongoing criminal proceedings in the United Kingdom.
He has pleaded not guilty to seven charges of rape and one count of sexual assault relating to allegations from four women between 2020 and 2022, with a trial scheduled for next year.
Diplomatic and legal intervention
A judicial hearing to review the refusal is scheduled to take place at 14:00 BST in Ottawa.
Ghanaian officials have labelled the exclusion “high-handed and extremely unfair” while requesting temporary permission for the player to feature in the fixture.
The state has also formally asked the court to instruct Canadian immigration authorities to process a new visa application.
Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, the country’s foreign minister, confirmed that diplomatic channels are simultaneously being explored to secure clearance for the former Arsenal man.
Canada holds firm on immigration laws
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada defended their strict stance regarding the high-profile tournament in a statement to the BBC.
“Canada has been consistent that hosting major events does not change Canada’s immigration laws.”
“Every person seeking to come to Canada is assessed individually, based on the facts available and the law that applies.”
World Cup campaign context
The experienced international has earned more than 50 caps since making his senior debut in June 2016.
Head coach Carlos Queiroz previously stated he had no reservations about selecting his star midfielder for the global showpiece.
Following the Panama clash, the Black Stars will travel to the United States to face England in Boston on 23 June and Croatia in Philadelphia four days later.
They could potentially return to Canadian soil for the last 32 if they secure a runners-up finish in Group L.
Darwin Nunez has faced heavy criticism from Uruguayan media following his half-time substitution during a lacklustre World Cup draw against Saudi Arabia in Miami.
The former Liverpool striker was withdrawn by head coach Marcelo Bielsa after failing to make an impact in the opening 45 minutes.
Uruguay were trailing by a single goal at the break but transformed their performance in the second period to rescue a vital point.
Maxi Araujo netted a crucial equaliser with 10 minutes remaining to spare the South American side’s blushes.
Fitness concerns follow Saudi Pro League exit
The free-agent forward recently ended a troubled stint in the Middle East after mutually terminating his contract with Al-Hilal.
His brief spell in the Saudi Pro League was heavily marred by a severe lack of competitive minutes.
The marquee arrival of Karim Benzema reportedly pushed the disgruntled attacker further down the club’s pecking order.
Local press in Montevideo universally attributed his sluggish international display to this prolonged period of inactivity.
Media verdict highlights severe rustiness
National newspaper El Observador pointed to the obvious physical toll of his disjointed club campaign.
“He showed the effects of the lack of competition he had suffered throughout the year.”
La Diaria echoed these concerns, noting that the forward departed the pitch looking visibly devoid of match sharpness.
Meanwhile, La Pais awarded the attacker a damning rating of four out of ten for his uninspiring first-half efforts.
“The striker received little support, which meant he didn’t have the desired impact in the Saudi Arabian penalty area.”
Anfield return appears highly unlikely
The sudden availability of the goalscorer has inevitably sparked widespread speculation regarding a potential Premier League comeback.
Certain Uruguayan outlets have suggested a sensational return to Anfield could be an option for the out-of-work star.
Liverpool are currently navigating attacking depth issues following a long-term injury to Hugo Ekitike.
However, reliable industry reports have swiftly dismissed the likelihood of the Merseyside club re-signing their former player.
Iran fought back twice to secure a thrilling 2-2 draw against New Zealand in an action-packed World Cup fixture at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles.
The Asian nation fell behind early but responded resiliently against a determined Oceanic side.
Motherwell midfielder Eli Just was the standout performer for the All Whites, netting two impressive goals.
Both of his strikes were expertly assisted by Nottingham Forest forward Chris Wood.
Diaspora roars on Team Melli
The fixture played out against a complex geopolitical backdrop, with the Iranian squad facing significant logistical hurdles prior to the tournament.
Visa complications and regional tensions had previously forced the team to relocate their training camp to Mexico.
Despite these severe disruptions, the squad received overwhelming support from the substantial Iranian diaspora present in Southern California.
Pre-1979 emblems were prominently displayed by supporters who clearly separated the players from the national regime.
End-to-end action in California
New Zealand opened the scoring in the seventh minute when Wood held up play to tee up a clinical volley from Just.
Following a strike against the post by the experienced Mehdi Taremi, the equaliser finally arrived after 32 minutes.
Right-back Ramin Rezaeian capitalised on a loose ball after Finn Surman blocked an initial shot, poking home to level the tie.
Just restored the advantage for the Kiwis 10 minutes into the second half to cap off a flowing team move.
However, parity was restored once more when Mohammad Mohebbi guided a precise header into the net from a teasing cross.
Uruguay avoid shock defeat
In the day’s later fixture, Uruguay were forced to settle for a 1-1 draw against Saudi Arabia in Miami.
The Middle Eastern side threatened to repeat their famous 2022 victory over Argentina when Abdulelah Al-Amri opened the scoring.
The Saudi centre-back reacted quickest to a rebound shortly before half-time following a superb initial save by Fernando Muslera.
However, Maxi Araujo eventually rescued a crucial point for the two-time world champions to spare their blushes.