The Iraq national football team is facing backlash from fans over hydration breaks introduced by FIFA during the 2026 World Cup. Fans jeered during the England-Croatia match, which ended 4-2 in favor of England, at the Dallas stadium. According to Reuters, fans expressed their discontent with the new rule introduced by FIFA, which allows for a 3-minute break in each half to help players cope with the heat and humidity of the North American summer. Some England fans had announced on social media that they would protest during the Croatia match. And indeed, the jeers started from the fans of both teams as soon as French referee Clement Turpin blew his whistle to signal the break, in the 22nd minute. Similar jeers were also heard from the crowd during the first hydration break in the Norway-Iraq match on Tuesday, while the temperature was moderate at 23 degrees Celsius. Iraq was tied with Norway without goals and was performing well when the break started, but they conceded a goal 4 minutes after the restart and eventually lost 4-1. Some critics argue that these breaks disrupt the flow of the game, while others see them as a ploy to divide the match into four quarters and provide more opportunities for broadcasters to show ads. Some England fans had announced on social media that they would protest during the Croatia match. And indeed, the jeers started from the fans of both teams as soon as French referee Clement Turpin blew his whistle to signal the break, in the 22nd minute.