Fox in talks with FIFA over World Cup hydration breaks and halftime interviews, report says
Fox Sports is preparing for the upcoming men’s World Cup with major broadcast changes, including the possibility of half-time interviews and new use of FIFA’s three-minute hydration breaks, according to vice-president of production Zac Kenworthy. He said discussions with FIFA are ongoing and that Fox expects clarity within the next one to two weeks, before the tournament begins. The network is still working out how the breaks will be handled, including whether they will be used for advertising inventory. The Athletic previously reported that FIFA will allow broadcasters to cut to commercials during the hydration breaks in all 104 matches, a move that has raised questions about whether the pauses are primarily for player welfare or commercial reasons.
Kenworthy said Fox is trying to balance soccer’s traditional flow with the commercial demands of a modern broadcast. He acknowledged that commercials during match play would not happen, but that the breaks themselves create a new window in which viewers may still want to watch coaches and players interact. He said the change may feel unusual to traditional soccer fans, but noted that the sport has already evolved significantly in recent years, citing the expansion to 26-man squads after Covid and the introduction of five substitutes. He said Fox must remain attentive to viewer experience while adapting to FIFA’s new access rules.
FIFA is also offering broadcasters more access than in previous tournaments. Fox will be able to place a reporter in the center circle during a 10-minute pre-match window when its featured team is warming up, allowing more behind-the-scenes coverage. FIFA is also, for the first time, making half-time interviews available on request to the broadcaster of a competing nation, provided the national team agrees. Kenworthy said fans at home want closer access to teams and described the new opportunities as valuable additions for broadcasters.
Fox has invested heavily in its World Cup coverage, assembling a high-profile roster of analysts and presenters. The lineup includes Thierry Henry, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Javier Hernandez, Clarence Seedorf, Peter Schmeichel and Thiago Alcantara. Former U.S. internationals Alexi Lalas, Carli Lloyd, Clint Dempsey and Landon Donovan are also part of the team. Rebecca Lowe, known for anchoring NBC’s Premier League coverage, will join Fox exclusively for the tournament. Kenworthy said the network began targeting these personalities more than two years ago, seeking well-known figures who are confident, articulate and comfortable on television.
The broadcast push comes as Fox enters the final men’s World Cup covered by its current FIFA rights deal. Netflix has already secured the women’s World Cup in Brazil in 2027, while FIFA is expected to wait before marketing U.S. rights to the 2030 men’s World Cup. Kenworthy said Fox is not feeling extra pressure from the looming rights competition, saying the focus is on delivering an elevated home World Cup broadcast for American viewers.
