Fox, FIFA, Mexico, South Africa, Telemundo
11 June 2026
Fox drew criticism during the World Cup opener after cutting to commercials during hydration breaks and missing seconds of live play after Mexico’s second goal. The broadcast returned late while Mexico and South Africa had already restarted.
FIFA introduced three-minute hydration breaks for every match as a player welfare measure, but broadcasters can sell advertising during them. Telemundo stayed with the match feed, while Fox’s full-screen ads angered viewers and raised sporting concerns.