FIFA scrap hydration break during France vs Iraq as statement issued

There was no hydration break in the second half of Monday's World Cup clash between France and Iraq.

As part of FIFA's new approach to player welfare, three-minute hydration breaks are being used midway through each half, allowing players to rehydrate regardless of the temperature or weather conditions.

It has been one of the big talking points in recent weeks. Are they a welcome addition to proceedings, or are they simply disrupting the game's natural flow? It has certainly sparked plenty of debate.

Some critics even suggest there are underlying financial motives behind their introduction. Fox and Fox Sports, for example, are expected to bring in $250 million (£188m) from additional commercials, as per Front Office Sports.

But for the first time at this summer's tournament in North America, the hydration break was scrapped after France and Iraq was delayed by more than two hours because of adverse weather conditions

A spokesperson from FIFA confirmed the news, saying: "No hydration break in the second half."

It was, in Kylian Mbappe's words, a "very long evening" in Philadelphia. The game kicked off at 17:00 local time but after a two-hour delay at half-time following heavy rainfall and thunderstorms, the game eventually ended at 20:47.

The match between France and Iraq was delayed by two hours because of safety concerns. Image credit: Getty

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"We spent a lot of time waiting," said Mbappe after the full-time whistle. "It's emotionally and mentally draining because we had to stay fully focused and engaged in the dressing room."

"Staying in the dressing room for an hour and a half - almost two hours - while maintaining focus is very difficult. It demands a lot," added Mbappe, who scored twice. "The players made a huge effort, as did the staff."

Kylian Mbappe gives his take on hydration breaks

A number of high-profile figures have criticised the introduction of hydration breaks, including Virgil van Dijk and Jurgen Klopp.

Ahead of Monday's game between France against Iraq, Mbappe suggested that players may not be best placed to offer their opinions on the matter.

At a pre-match press conference, Mbappe said: “My thoughts on hydration breaks? Don’t ask us players for our opinion; we’re very reactionary.

“If tomorrow we’re dominating in the 25th minute and there’s a hydration break, we’ll be angry because it breaks our rhythm. But if the weather is hot, or we’re being dominated, I’ll be happy.”

Didier Deschamps on what France players were doing during the delay vs Iraq

After the full-time whistle, France head coach Didier Deschamps was asked what his team were getting up to during the break.

"We played cards," he joked. "No, well, we were waiting. We had slots that kept being pushed forward again. I was actually having a good time with my players and having fun."

"It's a question of safety. You cannot fight against the rain and lightning," he added. "It doesn't annoy me. These are very special circumstances and I do hope they don't happen again. It was important to take no risks."