In a break from traditional football rules, FIFA is planning to extend the halftime interval at the 2026 World Cup final to approximately 30 minutes, according to reports on July 15. The move, which exceeds the 15-minute limit stipulated by the Laws of the Game, is designed to accommodate a Super Bowl-style halftime show featuring global music icons including Madonna, Shakira, Justin Bieber and BTS.
The performance, which will run for approximately 11 minutes, requires additional time for stage setup and removal. While FIFA has not officially confirmed the exact duration, broadcasters and reports suggest the interval could reach 30 minutes in total.
This is not the first time FIFA has disregarded the 15-minute halftime rule—the break at last year's Club World Cup final was extended to 25 minutes. The International Football Association Board (IFAB), which sets the sport's rules, has previously rejected requests to extend halftime over concerns about "negative impact on player welfare and safety resulting from a longer period of inactivity".
In addition to the extended halftime, a closing ceremony will take place 90 minutes before kickoff. The final is scheduled to kick off at 8:00 pm BST (3:00 pm ET) on July 19 at MetLife Stadium in New York/New Jersey. Spain, which defeated France 2-0 in the semi-final, will face the winner of the Argentina-England match for the championship.
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