FIFA's strict World Cup rule broken twice in opening game between Mexico and South Africa

It took just one game for a broadcaster to break a strict FIFA rule at the 2026 World Cup.

In a repeat of the 2010 curtain-raiser, co-hosts Mexico beat South Africa 2-0 at the Estadio Azteca courtesy of goals from Julian Quinones and Raul Jimenez.

There were no fewer than three red cards in the first fixture, with South Africa's Yaya Sithole and Themba Zwane both sent off before Cesar Montes of Mexico saw red in stoppage time.

The game saw the introduction of a new set of rules from IFAB, including more involvement from VAR.

And there was also the first instance of hydration breaks, which have been made mandatory for “player welfare” in the tournament to cope with the extreme temperatures.

Two three-minute breaks are allocated midway through each half. But according to The Athletic, Fox Sports, broadcasting the game for America, breached FIFA's rule with what they did during coverage.

READ MORE: Six major rule changes at the 2026 World Cup that every fan needs to know about

Following an approach seen in the NBA and NFL during time-outs, the American channel chose to fill the time with commercials.

The hydration breaks are a new feature of the World Cup. Image: Getty

FIFA stipulated that broadcasters can use full-screen adverts but should return to the match feed at least 30 seconds before play resumes.

Fox didn't meet that request in the first half but then went a step further in the second half.

The next hydration break came after Mexico star Jimenez made it 2-0 in the 67th minute and saw around two minutes of adverts.

The break was powered by hydration drinks brand Powerade and saw an Adidas advert featuring Lamine Yamal on the screen after a Verizon commercial with David Beckham front and centre.

Late to return, the game had resumed for seconds before Fox cut back to the action on the pitch.

In the United Kingdom, ITV did not cut away and instead focuses on the players with commentator insight. Broadcasters in Denmark and Australia followed suit.

Elsewhere, German channel Magenta TV did go to adverts along with Telefe in Argentina.

While important when the conditions are hot and humid, there is the feeling from many that the breaks will disrupt the momentum and flow of a game.

For coaches, it gives them extra time to pass on tactical instructions to their players while they take fluid onboard.