Fifa make major U-turn on rules just minutes before Mexico vs Ecuador World Cup clash
FIFA binned hydration breaks at the World Cup for one game – and then put them back in straight away. Mexico’s last-32 tie against Ecuador, which was delayed by an hour due to a severe storm, had been set to be the first match of the tournament without one. ITV announced that due to the weather, the two controversial breaks would be ignored on this occasion. But presenter Laura Woods, just seconds after asking if the pundits were looking forward to an uninterrupted clash, had to ride back on her question. She jumped in and said that the breaks had been put back in less than ten minutes after confirming they were out for once. Fans have been fuming with the three minute pauses in each half ever since they were introduced. READ MORE WORLD CUP NEWS And with the Azteca stadium in Mexico City swept up in torrential rain before kick off, a decision had initially been made to remove the added breaks. They are regularly booed by supporters at grounds around Mexico, Canada, and the USA. Unlike certain sports and competitions, which introduce water breaks when the temperature reaches a certain point, this World Cup had them no matter the conditions. That has led to farcical scenes where air conditioned stadiums with roofs have had breaks. Most read in Sport WORLD CUP 2026 FREE BETS AND SIGN UP OFFERS France’s 3-0 win over Sweden on Tuesday night saw the heat rise to above 36 degrees during play, though. But the weather was contrasting in South America as thunderstorms and lightning hit the Azteca. Kick off, due to be at 7pm local time (2am in the UK), was scrapped. Fans still gathered in the stands despite the rain and storm. The match was then slated to begin at 8pm (3am), with players coming out to warm up at 7.05pm (2.05am), five minutes after the action had been scheduled to begin. World Cup 2026 - all the info IT'S A KNOCKOUT The knockout stages of the World Cup are here, with many big sides still in the hunt for global glory. England manager Thomas Tuchel is hoping to finally bring football home after a 60-year drought for the nation. Powerhouse nations like France, Spain, Brazil and Argentina are all serious contenders for the biggest prize in sport. However, heavyweights Germany and Netherlands have both been knocked out on penalties in the last-32! Football icons Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo are showing no signs of slowing down, on what looks to be the pair’s final World Cup. LATEST NEWS - Paraguay World Cup star in tears after huge Germany upset - Chelsea legend consoled by Ronaldo after sudden World Cup camp departure - Casemiro’s daughter in tears after Man Utd star scores header vs Japan - South Korea boss RESIGNS after group stage exit - Ronaldo DITCHES £242 limited edition boots after just 45 minutes KEY INFO - World Cup 2026 full match schedule including kick-off times - World Cup 2026 full squads - World Cup 2026 rule changes - World Cup 2026 prize money VIDEO - Proper Football Daily: Get all the expert analysis each morning - Team Talk – Tactics Exposed: Dive into the tactical talking points TIPS AND BETTING If you click a link in this article, we will earn affiliate revenue.