World Cup final halftime could extend to 25 minutes

The 2026 FIFA World Cup final is set to feature an unprecedented Super Bowl-style halftime show, with the interval expected to last 20 to 25 minutes, significantly longer than the traditional 15-minute break.

The final, scheduled for Monday (July 20) at New York–New Jersey Stadium, will feature an 11-minute live performance headlined by global music icons Madonna, Shakira and South Korean K-pop sensation BTS.

According to sources within FIFA, organisers are considering extending the halftime interval to around 20 minutes. Another option under discussion is to retain the standard 15-minute break, followed immediately by the special performance.

Under the International Football Association Board (IFAB) Laws of the Game, halftime should not exceed 15 minutes, although exceptions have been made at major FIFA events. During last year's Club World Cup final in New Jersey, the interval lasted 24 minutes due to performances by Coldplay, J Balvin, Doja Cat, Tems and Emmanuel Kelly.

Reports also indicate that Justin Bieber has recently been added to the entertainment lineup. Other performers include Burna Boy, Gustavo Dudamel and the PS22 Chorus, while Coldplay frontman Chris Martin is overseeing the show's creative direction.

The final will kick off at 3:00pm (local time), preceded by a grand closing ceremony beginning at 1:30pm. The pre-match spectacle is expected to feature Tom Cruise, Laura Pausini, Nicole Scherzinger, Robbie Williams and IShowSpeed, with Jennifer Hudson performing the United States national anthem.

On the pitch, Spain secured the first spot in the final after defeating France 2-0 in the semifinal. They will face the winner of the England-Argentina semifinal in Sunday's title decider.