England fans fume at World Cup hydration break in Boston rain

FootballSports
24 Jun 2026 • 5:05 AM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

The world’s most free-thinking newspaper

England fans fume at World Cup hydration break in Boston rain

  • England supporters loudly booed a mandatory hydration break during their Group L match against Ghana in Boston, expressing dissatisfaction with the stoppage.
  • The controversial break occurred midway through the first half, shortly after an injury stoppage involving England's Reece James and Ghana's Jordan Ayew, and despite cool, rainy weather conditions in Boston.
  • FIFA mandated two three-minute hydration breaks per game at the tournament to help players cope with intense North American summer heat and humidity, a decision criticised for disrupting game flow and potentially creating more advertising opportunities.
  • Fans had previously booed similar hydration stoppages during England's opening game against Croatia, indicating a consistent negative reaction to the new rule.
  • Ghana midfielder Thomas Partey also received boos from the crowd, following charges of seven counts of rape and one count of sexual assault in London, to which he has pleaded not guilty.

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