Fans attending the 2026 FIFA World Cup final can expect a significantly longer halftime break than usual, with organizers preparing a major entertainment spectacle inspired by the NFL’s Super Bowl tradition.
The halftime performance at New York New Jersey Stadium is expected to last around 11 minutes and will be headlined by Madonna, Shakira and K-pop sensation BTS. FIFA sources indicate the overall interval is likely to run between 20 and 25 minutes, although one option under consideration is to retain the standard 15-minute halftime before staging the full musical show immediately afterward.
Under the Laws of the Game set by the International Football Association Board (IFAB), players are normally entitled to a halftime interval of no more than 15 minutes. However, FIFA has previously extended the break for major entertainment events. Last year’s FIFA Club World Cup final in New Jersey featured a 24-minute halftime that included performances from Coldplay, J Balvin, Doja Cat, Tems and Emmanuel Kelly.
The entertainment lineup for Sunday’s final has continued to grow, with Justin Bieber recently joining the bill. Burna Boy, conductor Gustavo Dudamel and the PS22 Chorus, accompanied by Coldplay, are also scheduled to appear. Coldplay frontman Chris Martin has overseen the production of the halftime show.
The World Cup final will begin at 3:00 p.m. local time (8:00 p.m. BST), while the closing ceremony is scheduled to start at 1:30 p.m. local time (6:30 p.m. BST).
The pre-match celebrations will feature performances from Tom Cruise, Laura Pausini, Nicole Scherzinger, Robbie Williams and popular streamer IShowSpeed. Jennifer Hudson is set to perform the United States national anthem ahead of kickoff.
Spain secured the first place in the final after defeating France 2-0 in Tuesday’s semifinal in Dallas. Their opponents will be determined when England face Argentina in the second semifinal in Atlanta on Wednesday evening.