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FIFA is preparing to stretch the halftime break in the 2026 World Cup final beyond football's standard 15-minute limit to make room for a major musical show featuring Madonna, Shakira, BTS and Justin Bieber.
Reports differ over the exact length of the interval. The performance itself is expected to last about 11 minutes at New York New Jersey Stadium, also widely known as MetLife Stadium.
A FIFA spokesperson confirmed that Madonna, Shakira, Justin Bieber and BTS will jointly headline what is being billed as the first World Cup final halftime show.
Coldplay frontman Chris Martin reportedly helped put together the lineup, while Global Citizen is producing the event. According to The Athletic, the performers are not expected to receive appearance fees.
However, staging the concert will require additional time for production crews to set up and take down equipment on the pitch. FIFA is reportedly aiming to keep the overall break to around 20 minutes, although other reports suggest it could run for as long as 25 or 30 minutes.
The International Football Association Board (IFAB) sets the laws of football and states that players are entitled to a halftime interval of no more than 15 minutes.
The rulebook adds that the length of the break may only be changed with the referee's permission. This has led to questions over how FIFA will carry out the show without falling outside the existing rules.
A similar extension took place during the previous Club World Cup final, when a performance featuring Coldplay, J Balvin, Doja Cat, Tems and Emmanuel Kelly pushed the halftime interval to 24 minutes.
The show will also bring together members of the New York Philharmonic and Venezuela's Simon Bolivar Symphony Orchestra under conductor Gustavo Dudamel.
The musicians are expected to perform a tribute to Venezuela following the country's recent devastating earthquakes. Global Citizen CEO Hugh Evans said, “I think this is going to create this absolutely unforgettable moment.”
Production limits mean the organizers will have to cut down the amount of equipment placed on the pitch, while orchestra members are expected to perform standing up.
The World Cup final is scheduled to kick off at 3 p.m. local time, with the closing ceremony due to begin 90 minutes earlier.
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