Fifa said the hydration breaks were introduced to protect player welfare, and for sporting integrity they had to be applied uniformly in every match.
That rule stood even in the air-conditioned stadiums in Atlanta, Dallas, Houston and Vancouver.
Broadcasters outside the UK cut to adverts, which could start 20 seconds after the referee blew the whistle and had to finish 30 seconds before play resumed.
As the tournament progressed, frustration over the stoppages grew and the boos from supporters got louder.
Experts told BBC Sport that a typical 30-second World Cup ad slot on Fox Sports in the US cost between $200,000 (£152,000) and $300,000 (£227,000), rising to $750,000 (£567,000) during USA matches and the later stages.
In practice, they acted like tactical timeouts, with coaches using devices to brief players on adjustments, influencing the course of several matches.
Might we see them in other leagues?
UEFA has already ruled them out, and it is hard to see the top European leagues accepting them.
Even so, it would not be a surprise if they returned at the next World Cup.