Fox’s World Cup coverage in the United States has faced backlash, with viewers branding it “embarrassing” after missing parts of Mexico’s dramatic match against South Africa.

The opening game of the 2026 World Cup in Mexico City drew global attention and was quite the enthralling affair, including two goals, three red cards, and a high-profile opening ceremony performance by Shakira.

What did Fox fail to do?

However, some fans watching in the US did not see all of the action due to broadcast interruptions.

As part of the flagship tournament, FIFA introduced three-minute hydration breaks during each half because of the intense heat across host countries, particularly in the US and Mexico.

Back in December, FIFA confirmed there would be “no weather or temperature condition in place, with the breaks being called by the referee in all games”.

Fox have been accused of breaching FIFA rules. Credit: Hector Vivas - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images

While broadcasters are permitted to air adverts during these pauses, Fox has been accused of not following FIFA’s guidance.

What do the rules specify?

According to The Athletic, sources close to the governing body said networks should avoid starting commercials within 20 seconds of the referee signaling a break. They also advised that coverage should return at least 30 seconds before play resumes, a rule Fox is believed to have failed to comply with.

The issue became clear shortly after Raul Jimenez scored in the 67th minute. Commentator Ian Darke told viewers: “And that leads to the hydration break, powered to you by Powerade.” What followed was around two minutes of adverts, and when the game resumed, an Adidas commercial was still airing.

The broadcast only returned to the match several seconds after play had already restarted.

Viewers quickly voiced their frustration online. One person wrote: “Fox Sports was playing so many commercials during the hydration break that the game restarted before they were done.”

Another said: “Commercial breaks mid-match during the hydration breaks are going to ruin this World Cup for Americans. Disgusting practice from Fox,” while a third simply called the coverage “embarrassing”.

Featured Image. Credit: Hector Vivas - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images

The FIFA World Cup final is fast approaching, with Spain waiting to find out who their final opponents will be after dismantling France in their semi-final.

Mbappe and co were outplayed by a disciplined Spanish side on Tuesday night (July 14), falling 2-0 to the European champions in Dallas.

England will face off against Argentina in the other semi-final this evening, to determine who will have a shot at soccer's biggest prize.

But while fans of the beautiful game will be looking forward to the pinnacle of the sport on Sunday, FIFA has announced that the viewing experience will last longer than usual.

For the first time in World Cup history, there will be a half-time show during the final, which will also mean that the second-half restart will be delayed.

Shakira, who performed during the Opening Ceremony, will also perform during the World Cup final half-time shoe. Credit: Ryan Pierse - FIFA / Getty

Details behind the half-time show

It has been suggested that the World Cup final half-time show could last anywhere up to 30 minutes, breaking the International Football Association Board's (IFAB) rules.

They state that half-time must "not exceed 15 minutes," and while World Cup officials believe the break will only last 20 minutes, British broadcasters BBC and ITV are expecting a half-hour stoppage.

Last year's FIFA Club World Cup final, which also took place in the US, also featured a half-time show headlined by Coldplay, J Balvin and Doja Cat, and that lasted 24 minutes.

But for soccer's biggest game, the production is meant to last just 11 minutes in a Super-Bowl type performance, to be headlined by the likes of Madonna, Shakira and BTS.

Justin Bieber was also announced as a co-headliner of the show, while Burna Boy is also set to perform alongside Venezuelan conductor Gustavo Dudamel, the PS 22 Chorus, and Coldplay.

In a statement from FIFA, they claimed that "football, music and social impact" will be coming together in a celebration at MetLife Stadium.

Why has FIFA decided to have a half-time show?

The governing body said that this performance will help support its Global Citizen Education Fund, with the aim of raising $100 million.

They also aim to "expand access to quality education and football opportunities for children worldwide."

FIFA even claimed that $1 from every World Cup match ticket sold is going towards "social projects around the world."

This isn't the first time that FIFA has set a precedent at this tournament, having overturned Team USA striker Florin Balogun's red card suspension, allowing him to play against Belgium in the round-of-16.

The half-time show could cause half-time to take twice as long as usual. Credit: Hector Vivas - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images

Statement from the FIFA President

FIFA President Gianni Infantino spoke about the half-time show, saying: "When it comes to what the world needs, there is nothing more important than education.

"We are proud to have Justin Bieber joining Madonna, Shakira and BTS to co-headline the Fifa World Cup 2026 final half-time show in support of the Fifa Global Citizen Education Fund and our mission to expand access to quality education and football opportunities for children around the world.

"As the world unites for the most significant football match in history on Sunday, July 19 at the New York New Jersey Stadium, this groundbreaking spectacle, curated by Chris Martin of Coldplay, will celebrate football, music and our shared values, ensuring a legacy that transcends the final whistle."

Fan reaction to the half-time show

It's fair to say that soccer fans are not the biggest fans of the decision, with many taking to social media to air out their grievances.

One said on X: "They should never get the World Cup again," as another asked: "Pre-match show, first half hydration break, half-time show, second half hydration break and closing show. Any football going to be played?"

A third wrote: "Half time is 15 minutes. Any longer should be booed for every second."

"FIFA ruining the great game once again. Gianni Infantino needs to be fired asap," a different user claimed.

Many also worried that the extended break could negatively affect the players' rest and recovery, but time will tell if this will be the case.

Featured image credit: Ryan Pierse - FIFA / Getty

It's the end game for soccer fans across the globe this week.

There is just one FIFA World Cup semi-final left before the final is played on Sunday at the New York New Jersey Stadium, the pinnacle of international soccer.

Spain shocked the world and played France off the pitch in Tuesday's semi-final, coming out as 2-0 victors - they will now wait for tonight's result between England and Argentina to discover their final opponents.

England fans will be hoping that they can bring football home for the first time in 60 years, while Messi and Argentina will hope they can secure back-to-back World Cup wins after 2022's triumph.

Last edition's final between France and Argentina was one for the ages, with a 3-3 draw after extra-time forcing the game to penalties.

But in one split second following the most tense of moments at the final in 2022, a cameraman got a glimpse of a fan in the crowd who got a bit too excited, creating one of the most unexpected NSFW World Cup moments in recent history.

A World Cup fan was caught exposing herself mid-game at the tournament. Credit: MB Media/Getty Images

Accidental broadcast of a flasher

With Argentina's fourth penalty, right-back Gonzalo Montiel stepped up and buried his shot into the bottom left corner, securing a 4-2 shootout win before taking off his shirt and bursting into tears.

It was an emotional moment for Argentinian football, securing their first World Cup win since 1986 and Lionel Messi's first capture of the trophy in his career.

But among the celebrations, a BBC cameraman panned to the crowd and spotted a female Argentinian fan with her top off and her breasts out.

The footage played over a discussion between Gary Lineker and fellow pundits Alan Shearer, Rio Ferdinand and Pablo Zabaleta, who were reflecting on Argentina's third World Cup win.

Cameras quickly cut away from the crowd after realizing their mistake, with the fan standing in front of the spectators, with a banner beneath her.

She could be seen removing her top as the cameras panned to the crowd after the ceremony, but after turning to the fans and revealing her breasts in celebration, security took action.

The fan was removed from the stadium after women attending the 2022 World Cup in Qatar were warned about respecting the nation's strict laws on clothing and public indecency, which included a ban on tight clothing.

Ahead of tonight's semi-final showdown, broadcasters will be hoping to avoid any similar episodes.

The ecstatic Argentina fan couldn't hold it together after the penalty shootout win. Credit: X

Fans reacted to cameraman blunder

Many eagle-eyed viewers were all too happy to talk about what they'd seen broadcast on live TV, as one joked: "She'll get a yellow card for that."

Another commented: “I spotted her, very brave! She’ll be arrested over there if she’s not careful…”

A third suggested: "Fortunately, it was the last game. She must be in Jail now," speaking about Qatar's no-nonsense laws.

“I'd be posting my boobs later to celebrate Messi and Argentina's World Cup,” an overly eager Messi fan wrote on social media.

Featured image credit: MB Media/Getty Images

Whether you're into soccer or not, you will no doubt be aware that the FIFA World Cup kicked off in Russia yesterday. The tournament, which is one of the most watched sporting events in the world, is seen as a celebration of sport, with it having the ability to unite the world through a game.

However, for all the celebration and joyous sentimentality that comes with a World Cup, some people are still determined to destroy the unity that it promotes.

An ISIS propaganda video has been released in which the terrorist organisation claim that they will attack the tournament in Russia with drone bombs. In the video released by the militant Islamic fundamentalists, explosions can be seen going off in football stadiums. Over the top of the video is a voice note that claims:

"We're watching you. We have drones, we're scouting out locations and we'll attack."

While the majority of media publications have refused to publish the disturbing video, the claims still come as a worry to security officials at the tournament and the fans who are attending the matches.

The video has been doing the rounds on social media and has also been observed by terrorism watchdog groups in private chats with militants.

Raphael Gluck of terrorism monitoring group JihadoScope told Daily Mail Australia: "Obviously this is wishful thinking [on ISIS' behalf] and make believe but governments are saying it's only a matter of time until drones are used in some shape or form to carry out terror attacks in the West."

ISIS has previously used drones to attack locations in Syria and Iraq and earlier this week, Stephen Prior, a British scientist and expert on drones told Cheltenham Science Festival:

"ISIS has been one of the first terrorist groups to go and buy a very cheap drone, convert it and use it to very devastating effect in Iraq and Syria.

"Terrorists can go on a course to learn about it and nine months later they can build their own one and fly it around the world.

"I am surprised, frankly, that more drones have not been used to do bad things already. I think it is only a matter of time before somebody tries something."

There are expected to be millions of fans travelling to Russia for the games over the next month, meaning that Russian security will be on high alert regarding the risk of a potential terrorist attack.

Yesterday, ISIS also released a set of posters in which they called for lone-wolf attackers to target stadiums in Russia. Some of the posters also featured explosions at prominent World Cup 2018 match venues. Another read: "I swear that the Mujahideen's fire will burn you. Just you wait..."

According to reports, Russian military forces have deployed high-tech drone defence equipment to all host cities, as well as having soldiers on the ground.

Hopefully, nothing will come of the threats and fans can just enjoy the football in peace - which is how it's meant to be.

Argentinian goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez left audiences shocked after his celebration on stage after the FIFA World Cup 2022 final consisted of a pretty risqué gesture...

Now, when I tell you Sunday night's World Cup final was wild, I'm not kidding.

Argentina and France gave us a match that people will be talking about for years to come.

While everything seemed to be going in Argentina's favor for a massive chunk of the game, Kylian Mbappe, hailed as the star player of France's national team, pulled his squad out of their rut with two consecutive goals in the 80th and 81st minute, sending both teams into extra time.

However, after a nail-biting 30 minutes, followed by an overwhelming defeat on penalties, the French were forced to hand over the victory to Argentina who now have an impressive three World Cup wins under their belt.

Of course, then came the celebrations.

You would think that seeing the players shedding tears of joy with their teammates following such a competitive tournament would be the overall highlight, right? Well, there was a moment that topped that and it seems as though it's become a hot talking point online.

During the post-match ceremony, we saw Argentinian goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez receive the coveted Golden Glove award for his efforts - and well-deserved, may I add.

However, within seconds of holding the award, he placed it over his groin area, making it seem like the accolade was a huge, golden schlong in front of thousands of spectators at Doha's Lusail Stadium, as well as millions of viewers watching at home.

Though the gesture was extremely crude, it seems as though Qatari officials took it pretty well, with just the odd side-eye here and there.

Besides that, Martinez was praised as a hero for his country, especially during the penalties.

Not only did he manage to save Kingsley Coman's shot, he also dabbled in a few mind games with Aurélien Tchouaméni which proved to unsettle the French player, ultimately making him fire his shot a little too wide.

The Ashton Villa goalkeeper received his Golden Glove award alongside Lionel Messi, who won the best player, Enzo Fernandez who won the best young player and Kylian Mbappe who won the Golden Boot.

Featured Image Credit: Sipa US / Alamy