World Cup broadcasters getting hit with water from sprinklers Credit: Telemunfo, KDFW
By Sean Keeley on

One of the requirements to host a FIFA World Cup is that your stadiums have to have natural grass fields.

And where there’s grass, you need water to keep it green, especially when temperatures are in the 80s and 90s. That means lots and lots of sprinklers.

While that’s great for keeping the grass healthy, it’s wreaking havoc on media members who are trying to broadcast nearby.

Just ask former U.S. soccer player and current Telemundo commentator Jozy Altidore, who got splashed during a live discussion on the pitch on Saturday.

love the fact that you can see the sprinkler coming

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— CJ Fogler (@cjzero.bsky.social) June 13, 2026 at 5:49 PM

While Altidore didn’t see it coming, Jeff Kolb and Steven Dial with Fox-affiliate KDFW knew the risks when they started a live hit from AT&T Stadium in Arlington on Sunday. While they tried to power through, they saw the spray heading in their direction and narrowly avoided disaster.

“It’s coming!” said Dial just in time.

This is becoming a theme during the World Cup.

Fox affiliate KDFW was doing a live hit from AT&T Stadium in Arlington and they got hit by the sprinklers. Jeff Kolb and Steven Dial got wet.

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— Ken Fang — Very Asian (@fangsbites.bsky.social) June 14, 2026 at 12:13 PM

Something tells us there are plenty more sprinkler-related media disasters ahead in this World Cup.

Such issues are somewhat normal in the world of soccer broadcasting. CBS Sports’ Champions League crew barely avoided getting drenched by a particularly intense sprinkler back in 2023.

And just last year, Sacha Kljestan and Kaylyn Kyle got absolutely soaked by sprinklers while trying to dodge them during an MLS All-Star pregame hit on Apple. 

Head on a swivel out there, everyone.

About Sean Keeley

Along with writing for Awful Announcing and The Comeback, Sean is the Managing Editor for Comeback Media. Previously, he created the Syracuse blog Troy Nunes Is An Absolute Magician and wrote 'How To Grow An Orange: The Right Way to Brainwash Your Child Into Rooting for Syracuse.' He has also written non-Syracuse-related things for SB Nation, Curbed, and other outlets. He currently lives in Seattle where he is complaining about bagels. Send tips/comments/complaints to sean@thecomeback.com.

View all posts by Sean Keeley