FIFA has made a U-turn on the World Cup final half-time show, confirming to Spain and Argentina that it will last 17 minutes after concerns it could run for 30 minutes. The final, set for Sunday at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey with an 8pm BST kick-off, will feature a Super Bowl-style show for the first time, headlined by Justin Bieber, Madonna, Shakira, and BTS, curated by Chris Martin.
FIFA contacts Spain and Argentina over half-time duration
Earlier this week, reports indicated the show could breach the International FA Board's (IFAB) Laws of the Game, which permit a maximum 15-minute half-time break. FIFA has now contacted both football associations to confirm the break will total 17 minutes, including six minutes for stage assembly and dismantling, with the show condensed to 11 minutes.
This follows last year's Club World Cup final at the same venue, where a half-time show featuring Coldplay, J Balvin, Doja Cat, Tems, and Emmanuel Kelly lasted 24 minutes. In 2021, CONMEBOL's bid to extend half-time to 25 minutes was rejected by IFAB due to 'negative impact on player welfare and safety resulting from a longer period of inactivity'.
Previous half-time shows and player concerns
In the 2024 Copa America final between Argentina and Colombia, CONMEBOL's half-time show ran about 25 minutes. Colombia head coach Nestor Lorenzo criticised the extended break, saying: 'I think the half-time for the final should be 15 minutes because those are the rules. But now apparently, because there's going to be a concert, we'll be walking back out 20 to 25 minutes later. This could affect the players' fitness, they could cool down too much.'
World Cup final closing ceremony details
Sunday's final will also include a closing ceremony starting 90 minutes before kick-off, featuring Robbie Williams, Tom Cruise, and Nicole Scherzinger. FIFA's decision aims to balance entertainment with player welfare, adhering to IFAB regulations.
