FIFA’s tough World Cup rule was broken twice in the opening game between Mexico and South Africa.
It only took one game for a broadcaster to break a strict FIFA rule at the 2026 World Cup. Just like in 2010, co-hosts Mexico won the opener, beating South Africa 2-0 at Estadio Azteca with goals from Julian Quinones and Raul Jimenez.
The match was intense, with three red cards shown: South Africa’s Yaya Sithole and Themba Zwane were sent off first, and Mexico’s Cesar Montes got a red card in stoppage time. This game also introduced new rules from IFAB, including greater use of VAR.
For the first time, hydration breaks were used to help players cope with the hot weather. Two breaks of three minutes each happen halfway through each half. However, according to The Athletic, the American broadcaster Fox Sports broke FIFA’s rule during these breaks.
Unlike some sports like the NBA and NFL where commercial breaks happen in time-outs, FIFA says broadcasters can show full-screen ads but must switch back to the game at least 30 seconds before play starts again. Fox missed this rule in the first half and did even worse in the second half.
After Jimenez scored Mexico’s second goal in the 67th minute, Fox showed about two minutes of ads during the hydration break. Viewers saw commercials for Powerade, Adidas featuring Lamine Yamal, and Verizon with David Beckham. Fox returned to the game just seconds after play resumed, cutting back late.
In the UK, ITV didn’t cut away but stayed focused on the players and gave commentary insights. Broadcasters in Denmark and Australia did the same. But German channel Magenta TV and Argentina’s Telefe did show ads during breaks.
While hydration breaks are important for player safety in hot weather, many feel they might disrupt the flow of the game. On the upside, coaches get extra time to give players tactical advice while they stay hydrated.