Fox Skips Shakira, Turns Hydration Breaks into Commercial Clock at World Cup Opener
TL;DR
Fox’s World Cup opener in Mexico City did not show Shakira’s opening ceremony performance and instead cut to full-screen ads during FIFA’s new three-minute hydration breaks, while Telemundo aired the performance. The hydration breaks are a heat-related rule that also create new sponsor revenue opportunities, and Fox’s hybrid plan—mixing analysis with ads—was still being finalized as the network prepares for upcoming USMNT coverage.
Topics:sportsmedia#advertising-revenue#fox-coverage#hydration-breaks#media#shakira-performance#world-cup
- Fox Starts World Cup With Hydration Break Ads and No Shakira Front Office Sports
- Fox uses World Cup hydration breaks for commercials – but leaves fans missing action - The Athletic The New York Times
- Why are there drinks breaks at the 2026 World Cup, and why has FIFA been criticised? ESPN
- World Cup waterbreaks offer lucrative opportunity for broadcasters Reuters
- Why are there hydration breaks during the World Cup games? WCNC
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