Fifa to break rules with 30-minute half-time show at World Cup final

Fifa to break rules with 30-minute half-time show at World Cup final

FIFA is planning to deviate from standard regulatory protocols for the 2026 World Cup final by implementing a halftime show lasting approximately 30 minutes. This decision conflicts with the rules set by The International Football Association Board (IFAB), which mandate that halftimes for FIFA-regulated matches be a maximum of 15 minutes and may only be altered with the permission of the referee.

The expanded break at the New York/New Jersey Stadium will feature a music festival featuring artists including Coldplay, BTS, Madonna, Justin Bieber, Burna Boy, and Shakira. To accommodate the performance, broadcasters intend to place halftime analysis on either end of the entertainment segment.

The shift toward American sporting traditions has drawn criticism from fans on social media. Some observers argued the organization is attempting to create a pseudo Super Bowl, while others claimed the final should focus on football rather than a show designed to generate more money. One fan mocked the trend of hydration breaks and extended halftimes by suggesting players should start wearing helmets and pads. Other critics blamed FIFA President Gianni Infantino, with one social media user stating, I hate what America has done to football.

This is not the first time the organization has extended the interval under the current leadership. Infantino, who was elected in 2016, helped organize a 24-minute halftime performance at the 2025 Club World Cup Final at MetLife Stadium featuring Doja Cat, J Balvin, and Tems.

The spectacle surrounding the 2026 tournament extends beyond the halftime show. A closing ceremony featuring Nicole Scherzinger, Tom Cruise, and Robbie Williams is scheduled for 90 minutes before the start of the Sunday final. The tournament itself is described as one of the biggest sporting events of all time, encompassing 48 teams, 16 cities, 3 host nations, and 104 matches, drawing six billion viewers globally.

The commercial reach of the event is being further leveraged through an upcoming auction hosted by Christie's. Beginning July 22, fans can bid on memorabilia including signed game balls and signed jerseys, such as a team-signed USA World Cup 2026 jersey and a kit signed by Messi. The auction will also feature Shakira's outfit from the first-ever FIFA World Cup halftime show, as well as her Dai Dai video costume.

Proceeds from these sales are designated for the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund. This initiative aims to raise $100 million to increase access to sports and quality education for children in underserved communities.

The controversy over the rule break coincides with upcoming political shifts within the organization. Infantino is up for reelection in 2027 and is expected to face challenges from Patrice Motsepe (President of CAF), Victor Montagliani (President of CONCACAF), and Dariusz Mioduski, the owner of the Polish club Legia Warsaw.

The 2026 World Cup matches are scheduled to run from June 11 to July 19.