Bielsa hits out at World Cup hydration breaks as four group-stage matches hang in the balance

Hydration breaks divide the World Cup

Marcelo Bielsa did not hold back when asked about the three-minute hydration pauses FIFA introduced for each half, citing sweltering heat across U.S., Canadian and Mexican host cities. The Uruguay coach argued that splitting matches into four quarters alters football's cultural essence and does nothing for the game, while critics contend the real beneficiaries are broadcasters filling the stoppages with over two minutes of advertising. Bielsa acknowledged the value of technology like VAR but drew a sharp line: "This change of culture does not add anything and takes away a lot."

Playing four times instead of two alters the conception of what had been culturally built to interpret football. People fall in love with the game because of its characteristics.

Iran's Tijuana camp and visa strain

Less than 150 miles from Los Angeles, Iran's squad is staying at a heavily guarded Marriott in Tijuana, Mexico, after being forced to relocate from its original Tucson, Arizona base following the outbreak of war in February. Eleven team officials and staff were denied U.S. visas, and the United States has refused requests to arrive two days before matches, requiring the team to leave immediately after games. The Iran Football Federation said it would lodge a complaint with FIFA, with secretary-general Hedayat Mombeini stating the restrictions "are certainly having a negative effect on us, but we are trying to overcome these problems with our Iranian pride." Despite the logistical friction, fans from as far as Miami gathered at the hotel to cheer the players.

Football shouldn't lose its power to politics.

Doku out for Belgium

Belgium will be without Manchester City winger Jérémy Doku for the Iran match because of an illness. Doku started the opening 1-1 draw with Egypt but reportedly left a training session early with breathing difficulties. Coach Rudi Garcia must also manage Romelu Lukaku's minutes carefully to avoid wearing out the striker, who came on for the final 25 minutes against Egypt and forced an own goal.

Groups G and H seek first wins

All eight teams playing Sunday opened with draws, leaving both groups finely balanced. Spain, held 0-0 by debutants Cape Verde, faces Saudi Arabia with manager Luis de la Fuente promising a sharper performance from his side, while an improving New Zealand meets Egypt in Vancouver with both chasing a historic first World Cup victory. Egypt coach Hossam Hassan dismissed rumours of a rift with Mohamed Salah, describing the captain as disciplined and a role model.

A more competitive 48-team tournament

Through the first 24 matches, the goal differential was unchanged compared to the 2022 tournament, suggesting the expanded field has not produced more lopsided scorelines. Cape Verde's draw with Spain and Congo's 1-1 result against Portugal were cited as evidence that smaller nations are closing the gap, aided by wider tactical knowledge and more players in top leagues.