The Football Association FIFA has made changes to the broadcasting regulations for the 2026 World Cup, allowing broadcasters to show advertisements during mandatory three-minute water breaks. These breaks will be introduced in the middle of each half in all 104 matches of the tournament, due to the need to protect players' health in the high temperatures typical of North America.
Unlike previous championships, where such breaks were only implemented under extreme heat conditions, at the 2026 World Cup they will be mandatory for all games. Broadcasters will have the opportunity to use a split-screen format to showcase FIFA's official sponsors or switch to full advertisements, strictly adhering to the established time limits.
The championship will begin on June 11 in Mexico City and conclude with the final match on July 19 in New York. One of the most interesting events of the group stage will be the match between the England national team and the teams from Croatia, Ghana, and Panama in Group L. The new rules will allow FIFA not only to care for the athletes' health but also to increase broadcasting revenues by establishing a uniform standard for advertising displays throughout the tournament.
