Hydration breaks have taken center stage at this year's World Cup, sparking debate among players, coaches, and fans about their impact on the beautiful game. The three-minute breaks, called at the 22nd minute of each half regardless of weather conditions, have divided opinion across the tournament.

U.S. men's national team defender Antonee Robinson admitted he hasn't fully gotten used to the breaks, describing an unusual situation during America's opening match against Paraguay. "The referees are saying: 'No, you've got more time, it's alright, because the ads are still running,'" Robinson said, highlighting the connection between hydration breaks and commercial breaks.

Uruguay manager Marcelo Bielsa was vocal in his criticism, stating that "playing four halves instead of two alters the conception that had been culturally constructed to interpret football. It adds nothing and takes away a lot."

The breaks have been particularly puzzling when called in inappropriate conditions. Ghana defender Gideon Mensah commented after a rainy group-stage game between Ghana and Panama in Toronto: "The hydration is good, but at some point, you need to also decide on which game to have breaks. Because today, obviously, was not really hot. I mean, it was raining everywhere."

South African manager Hugo Broos expressed similar frustration after a break was called in Atlanta's domed Mercedes-Benz Stadium: "In this stadium, players don't need a drink after 20 minutes."

However, some managers see value in the breaks. Portugal manager Roberto Martinez described them as "very important, revolutionary even," adding that "it's not my place to say if it's good or bad, but we just need to use it how we can."

England manager Thomas Tuchel embraced the tactical opportunities: "I think it changes the character of each half quite significantly because it gives you the chance to regroup. It gives you the chance to change and to reset."

Players have noted the breaks can affect game momentum. Jordan midfielder Amer Jamous said after his team lost 3-1 to Austria: "Sometimes, especially in the second half, I thought the break made our team go down a little bit, especially in that period we were controlling the game."

Haiti manager Sebastian Migne observed his team conceding a goal from Scotland's John McGinn minutes after a hydration break. "The challenge, from what I have observed, is with the players, because it takes time for them to reconnect to the game," Migne said.

Netherlands defender Virgil van Dijk offered a balanced perspective: "As a fan experience, watching the game, when there's commercials and stuff, it does kind of take you out of it. I think for the neutral watchers on TV, it's also not great. So, if it's really hot, obviously it would be good to put them in, but I think you have to look at it in every game separately."

FIFA President Gianni Infantino defended the decision to implement breaks in every match, stating: "The main reason is the heat, but also having a moment to rest is extremely important. We have to be implemented in every match to ensure fairness across the competition, regardless of temperature."

Infantino also insisted that FIFA gains "absolutely nothing" from the breaks. "There is no additional revenue for FIFA, as all commercial agreements were signed well in advance. So, this is not a financial issue for us. For us, it is purely a sporting matter," he said.

Despite the mixed reactions, England midfielder Jordan Henderson offered a pragmatic outlook: "It's just part and parcel of this tournament. It's the same for everyone. We'll just take it as it comes."