Fans attending and watching Sunday’s 2026 FIFA World Cup final should expect an extended half-time break, with the interval likely to last between 20 and 25 minutes to accommodate a spectacular entertainment show.
The showpiece event at New York New Jersey Stadium will feature an 11-minute Super Bowl-style performance headlined by global music icons Madonna, Shakira and K-pop sensation BTS.
Although FIFA sources indicate the interval is expected to last around 20 minutes, one option under consideration is retaining the standard 15-minute half-time break before staging the planned 11-minute musical performance, which would extend the overall stoppage to about 25 minutes.
Under the Laws of the Game, governed by the International Football Association Board (IFAB), players are entitled to a half-time interval of “not exceeding 15 minutes.” However, similar exceptions have occurred at FIFA events.
At last year’s FIFA Club World Cup final, also staged in New Jersey, the half-time break stretched to 24 minutes following a performance featuring Coldplay, J Balvin, Doja Cat, Tems and Emmanuel Kelly.
The entertainment lineup for Sunday’s final has also been boosted by the addition of pop superstar Justin Bieber. The Canadian singer will join Madonna, Shakira and BTS, alongside Nigerian Grammy winner Burna Boy, renowned Venezuelan conductor Gustavo Dudamel and the PS22 Chorus. Coldplay frontman Chris Martin has curated the performance.
Festivities will begin well before kick-off, with the World Cup final scheduled to start at 3:00 p.m. local time (8:00 p.m. Nigerian time), while the closing ceremony is set to commence at 1:30 p.m. local time.
Hollywood actor Tom Cruise, Italian singer Laura Pausini, Nicole Scherzinger, Robbie Williams and internet personality IShowSpeed are among the stars expected to perform during the ceremony, while Jennifer Hudson will sing the United States national anthem.
Spain became the first team to qualify for the final after defeating France 2-0 in Tuesday’s semi-final in Dallas. They will face either England or defending champions Argentina, who battle for the remaining spot in Wednesday’s second semi-final in Atlanta.
Today’s Semi-final
England vs Argentina – 8:00 p.m. (Nigerian time)
