FIFA has announced an extended halftime of 20 to 25 minutes for the 2026 World Cup final. This change will include a spectacular entertainment show featuring prominent artists like Madonna, Shakira, and BTS.
Halftime Show Details
This marks the first halftime show in World Cup history, breaking the traditional 15-minute limit set by the International Football Association Board (IFAB). FIFA aims to enhance the entertainment aspect of the tournament, having previously attempted to formalize a 25-minute halftime in 2021, which was rejected by IFAB due to player welfare concerns.
The final match is set for July 19 at the New York/New Jersey Stadium, with FIFA allocating an 11-minute core period for performances. Additional time will be utilized for setting up stages and artist transitions. Reports indicate that, in practice, the break could reach up to 30 minutes, though FIFA has not confirmed this.
The concept isn't entirely new for FIFA, as the 2025 Club World Cup final featured a similar 25-minute halftime, serving as a preliminary trial for this significant event.
Revenue generated from the halftime show is expected to benefit the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund, blending entertainment with philanthropic efforts.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice.
