New Delhi, June 16 -- On Thursday, Mexico kicked off their World Cup 2026 campaign with a 2-0 South Africa in front of a roaring home crowd. What made the victory sweeter was that Raul Jimenez finally had a World Cup goal.

The 35-year-old, playing in his fourth World Cup, completed a sensational comeback from a career-threatening skull injury as he drilled the second goal in the 67th minute. Jimenez raised his arms and shed tears, the stands erupted in celebration. Then came the second whistle. Referee Wilton Sampaio had called for the hydration break. It was a pinprick to the cresting joy. Not only did it deflate the atmosphere, the Mexican players came back out flat.

At the 2026 World Cup, FIFA has introduced mandatory hydration break...