FIFA World Cup 2026: Half-time Break in the Final Expected to Extend Up to 25 Minutes

The half-time break during the FIFA World Cup 2026 final, scheduled to take place this Sunday at the New York-New Jersey Stadium in the United States, is expected to last between 20 to 25 minutes. This extended interval will include an 11-minute ‘Super Bowl’-style performance featuring Madonna and the lead artist from the K-pop band BTS. Sources from FIFA, the competition organizer, have indicated that the break is likely to be around 20 minutes. However, due to the traditional 15-minute half-time followed by the 11-minute musical program, the total half-time duration is anticipated to be somewhat longer.

The International Football Association Board (IFAB), which sets the rules for the sport, mandates that players receive a half-time break “not exceeding 15 minutes.” On Tuesday in Dallas, Spain defeated France 2-0 in the first semi-final, securing their spot in the final. The second semi-final will take place on Wednesday evening at 8 PM BST in Atlanta, featuring England versus Argentina. The winner of this match will face Spain in the World Cup final.

At the Club World Cup final held last year in New Jersey and organized by FIFA, the half-time music show included joint performances by Coldplay, J Balvin, Doja Cat, Tems, and Emmanuelle Kelly. Due to the extended half-time, the second half of that match started 24 minutes after the break. For the upcoming Sunday event, the lineup of performers was recently expanded to include Justin Bieber. The show will also feature Burna Boy, Gustavo Dudamel, and the PS22 Chorus, with the entire event curated by singer Chris Martin. The World Cup final is scheduled to begin at 3:00 PM local time (8:00 PM BST), with the closing ceremony starting at 1:30 PM local time (6:30 PM BST). The ceremony will include performances by Tom Cruise, Laura Pausini, Nicole Scherzinger, Robbie Williams, and Ai Shapira, while Jennifer Hudson will sing the United States national anthem.