FIFA alters historic rule for World Cup Final halftime show
- Update Time : Wednesday, 15 July, 2026, 06:25 pm
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Online Desk : 2026 FIFA World Cup final may feature a Super Bowl-style halftime show at the MetLife Stadium. For this reason, FIFA may bypass its own rule regarding the halftime interval duration. Yahoo sports confirmed this news. Shakira, Madonna, Justin Bieber, BTS and Coldpay are expected to perform at the finals. The concert is planned to last 30 minutes. However, FIFA regulations state that interval between two halves must not exceed 15 minutes. This move highlights a growing trend of rule flexibility by FIFA for the 2026 tournament. Super Bowl halftime shows generally last between 20 to 30 minutes. However, regular American football games feature a much shorter 13-minute break.
Previously, the International FA Board (IFAB) rejected a request from CONMEBOL to extend the halftime break to 25 minutes. The board argued that prolonged inactivity could harm player safety and physical welfare. Athletes generally lose momentum when breaks exceed 20 minutes. They often require a second warm-up. A 30-minute stoppage will likely create challenges for player recovery and match intensity.
The 2025 Club World Cup final in the USA previously utilized a 25-minute break. The event served as a trial run for these new World Cup changes. FIFA has recently adopted several new practices, including weather delays and mandatory hydration breaks. However, this latest decision has drawn significant criticism. The BBC has already announced it will not broadcast the halftime performance. The network will instead stick to traditional tactical analysis with its pundits.
The World Cup final will take place on July 19. Spain has already secured a spot in the final after defeating France 2-0. They will face the winner of the second semifinal match between Argentina and England. The upcoming semifinal will renew the historic rivalry between England and Argentina. The rivalry is rooted in both geopolitics and football history. Their legendary 1986 World Cup clash saw Diego Maradona score both the “Hand of God” and the “Goal of the Century” to defeat England 2-1.
