FIFA has decided to extend the half-time interval for the 2026 World Cup final to a whopping 30 minutes, overriding standard football regulations to accommodate a glitzy Super Cup half-time show. The show will feature performances by Justin Bieber, Shakira, Madonna, and BTS, curated by Coldplay's Chris Martin.
Half-Time Extension Confirmed
The International FA Board (IFAB), football's law-making body, had previously rejected a request from South American confederation CONMEBOL to extend the half-time break to 25 minutes, citing “negative impact on player welfare and safety resulting from a longer period of inactivity”. However, FIFA's plan for a 30-minute interval supersedes the standard 15-minute limit dictated by IFAB. The governing body has declined to clarify the exact duration of the break, but sources indicate the show will take approximately 30 minutes.
Broadcast and Fan Reaction
Initially, BBC and ITV were not going to broadcast the half-time show, focusing instead on highlights and analysis. However, due to the extended break, the show will now be viewable to the public. The news has angered many England supporters, who hope the Three Lions will reach their first final since 1966. Fil Sollof, a 61-year-old England superfan, told Mirror Football: "Thirty minutes for half time is a joke. How can FIFA change the rules of the game just like that? It’s 15 minutes for half-time - it’s the same for all football games all over the world. I doubt people would mind if it happened to go a minute or two over. But this isn’t on. It’s a disgrace."
Previous Precedent
FIFA has a track record of ignoring half-time rules. In the Club World Cup final between Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain, the half-time interval was stretched to 25 minutes. A FIFA spokesman confirmed the half-time show lineup, stating: "Madonna, Shakira, Justin Bieber and BTS will co-headline the historic FIFA World Cup Final Halftime Show. The performance will be curated by Chris Martin of Coldplay and broadcast live to millions of fans around the world."
Upcoming Semifinal
England, managed by Thomas Tuchel, are preparing to face defending champions Argentina in the semifinal in Atlanta. This will be the first World Cup meeting between the two nations since 2002, and the first time Lionel Messi has faced England in any capacity. The match kicks off at 8pm on Wednesday, July 15 at the Atlanta Stadium.
