FIFA make U-turn on World Cup halftime show

FIFA says the World Cup final halftime show will be shorter than previously expected after reports suggested it could last up to 30 minutes. Argentina, led by Lionel Scaloni, will defend its title on Sunday against Spain at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, with the match framed as a chance to become the first team to win back-to-back World Cups since Brazil in 1958 and 1962. FIFA confirmed a Super Bowl-style halftime show featuring performances expected from Madonna, Justin Bieber, Shakira, BTS, Burna Boy, Coldplay and others.

Earlier reports raised concerns that FIFA might break a long-standing rule limiting halftime to 15 minutes, with IFAB stating the break can be altered only with the referee’s permission. FIFA later clarified that the halftime break will total 17 minutes, leaving six minutes for assembling and dismantling the stage, while the show itself lasts 11 minutes. The article recalls that CONMEBOL had sought a maximum halftime of 25 minutes in 2021, but IFAB rejected it due to player welfare and safety impacts from longer inactivity. It also notes a closing-ceremony show starting 90 minutes before kick-off featuring Robbie Williams, Tom Cruise and Nicole Scherzinger.