FIFA is set to make history at the 2026 World Cup final, as a halftime show—modeled after the Super Bowl—will be held for the first time. However, this decision appears to raise regulatory issues, as the halftime break could last as long as 30 minutes.

According to reports from British media, television broadcasters estimate that the halftime break will exceed 20 minutes and will likely last half an hour. However, this would violate IFAB regulations, which stipulate that halftime cannot exceed 15 minutes…

For its part, FIFA has declined to comment on these scenarios, reiterating only that its goal is for the show itself to last approximately 11 minutes. However, those familiar with the event’s planning do not seem to agree and point out that significant additional time will be required for setting up and dismantling the stage, as well as for television coverage and the commentators’ analysis…

A Show Featuring Global Stars

The halftime show will have a distinct… Super Bowl vibe, with Coldplay frontman Chris Martin serving as artistic director.

According to reports, big names in the global music scene are expected to take the stage, including Madonna, Shakira, Justin Bieber, BTS, Burna Boy, and Gustavo Dudamel, while the PS22 choir will also perform alongside Coldplay.

In addition, before the final kicks off, there will be a spectacular closing ceremony, which will begin 90 minutes before the start of the match, featuring Robbie Williams, Tom Cruise, and Nicole Scherzinger.

The final could last more than two and a half hours

The extended halftime is not the only factor expected to lengthen the duration of the final.

The 2026 World Cup will also feature two five-minute breaks for player hydration, and if the match goes to a penalty shootout, its total duration could exceed 180 minutes.

We would like to remind you that in the 2025 Club World Cup final, the break lasted about 25 minutes, a fact that sparked controversy.

It should be noted that as early as 2021, IFAB had rejected a proposal to increase the duration of halftime, believing that such a long period of inactivity could negatively affect the well-being, safety, and match readiness of the players.

*photo source: AP