FIFA reneged on its promise to Spain and Argentina regarding the length of the World Cup final half-time show, forcing players to endure an extended break. The governing body had assured both football associations that the half-time interval would last only 17 minutes, with six minutes for stage setup and an 11-minute performance. However, the actual break at MetLife Stadium stretched to 27 minutes and 22 seconds, far exceeding the agreed duration.
Super Bowl-style show features global superstars
The half-time spectacle, a first for a World Cup final, included performances by Madonna, Justin Bieber, Shakira, Burna Boy, and K-pop group BTS. Brazilian legends Ronaldo and Ronaldinho made surprise appearances during Madonna's opening song. Despite the entertainment value, the extended break violated the International FA Board's (IFAB) Laws of the Game, which stipulate a maximum half-time interval of 15 minutes.
This is not the first time FIFA has exceeded the limit. In last year's Club World Cup final between Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain at the same venue, the half-time show lasted 24 minutes, featuring Coldplay, J Balvin, Doja Cat, Tems, and Emmanuel Kelly.
Previous concerns over player welfare
CONMEBOL, South America's football governing body, had previously attempted to extend the half-time break to 25 minutes in 2021, but IFAB rejected the proposal due to 'negative impact on player welfare and safety resulting from a longer period of inactivity.' Despite this, CONMEBOL's 2024 Copa America final between Argentina and Colombia featured a 25-minute half-time show.
Colombia head coach Nestor Lorenzo had voiced concerns before that final, stating: '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. Those minutes of recovery in the dressing room… people don't understand what it takes to reach those levels.'
