FIFA has been forced to scale back the World Cup final's controversial Super Bowl-style half-time show after facing criticism that it would break football's laws and disrupt the biggest match in the game. The show, curated by Coldplay frontman Chris Martin, will now last 17 minutes instead of the originally planned 30 minutes, FIFA confirmed to both Spain and Argentina.
Star-Studded Lineup and Reduced Duration
The half-time show will feature Justin Bieber, Madonna, Shakira, and K-pop band BTS performing in front of the 82,500-capacity crowd at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, as well as billions watching worldwide. The show has been trimmed to an 11-minute performance block, with an additional six minutes dedicated to assembling and dismantling the stage.
Breach of Football Laws
Under the International Football Association Board's Laws of the Game, players are entitled to a halftime interval not exceeding 15 minutes. Concerns were raised that an extended break would force both teams to complete new warm-ups before taking the field again. Despite the reduction, the 17-minute interval still breaches those laws.
This follows last year's Club World Cup final at the same venue, which featured a 24-minute half-time show with Coldplay, Doja Cat, J Balvin, and Tems among the performers.
Broadcast U-Turns
Earlier this year, both BBC and ITV had indicated they would refuse to air the half-time show, preferring to focus on analysis of the first half. However, both broadcasters have now confirmed they will provide coverage. ITV will fit the show around its advertising breaks, while the BBC will interrupt its pundits' analysis to introduce the performances.
FIFA President's Comments
Ahead of the final, 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,” according to a FIFA statement.
Additional Ceremonies
A closing ceremony will be held 90 minutes before kick-off, featuring performances by Robbie Williams, Jennifer Hudson, and Nicole Scherzinger. At the start of the tournament, opening ceremonies were held in each host country, with Shakira and Burna Boy headlining in Mexico City, Katy Perry performing in Los Angeles, and Alanis Morissette and Michael Bublé in Toronto.
