ITV and the BBC have confirmed they will broadcast the full half-time show at the World Cup final on Sunday, despite concerns about its extended duration. The interval spectacle, curated by Coldplay's Chris Martin, will feature performances by Madonna, Shakira, and K-pop boyband BTS, and broadcasters are planning for a break lasting between 25 and 30 minutes.
Broadcasters commit to full coverage
Both UK rights holders decided to air the show in its entirety, anticipating that the time needed to set up and remove the stage from the pitch will provide sufficient opportunity to analyse the game. The Guardian previously reported that broadcasters were worried about the length of the half-time entertainment, which could exceed the standard 15-minute interval allowed by football's laws.
Potential breach of football rules
The International Football Association Board (Ifab) rules state that “players are entitled to an interval at half-time, not exceeding 15 minutes, and it may be altered only with the referee’s permission”. Fifa's show could breach this regulation, but the governing body has not faced any pushback from Ifab. A similar show at last year's Club World Cup final at the same venue resulted in a 24-minute break, though that event took place in the stands. With on-pitch setup for Sunday's final, the delay may be longer; the show itself is projected to last about 11 minutes.
Pre-match and closing ceremonies
Fifa has significantly increased pre-match entertainment at this World Cup to cater to the American market. The opening matches featured lengthy musical ceremonies: Shakira and Burna Boy headlined before Mexico vs. South Africa, Alanis Morissette and Michael Bublé performed in Toronto for Canada vs. Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Katy Perry fronted a show before USA vs. Paraguay. Additionally, a closing ceremony will take place 90 minutes before kick-off, featuring Robbie Williams and Jennifer Hudson.
Fifa president Gianni Infantino described the half-time show as a “groundbreaking spectacle” that will “celebrate football, music and our shared values, ensuring a legacy that transcends the final whistle”.
