It is possible, of course, but then it is a three browser issue. I had the same loss of function everywhere.
Or OS-related? I've tested in 4 browsers on Win 11, and they all work as expected (Chrome, Firefox, Brave, Edge, all latest versions).
Personally, my middle (wheel) click is set to Open new tab. Always works, all the time. Can't quite remember how I did that, but it's great!