FIFA's inaugural halftime show for the World Cup final is projected to extend the interval beyond the 15-minute limit stipulated by the laws of the game, with broadcasters anticipating a break of up to 30 minutes. The extended halftime is a consequence of a planned "Super Bowl-style" performance curated by Coldplay's Chris Martin.
The lineup for the halftime show includes Madonna, Shakira, Justin Bieber, BTS, Burna Boy, Gustavo Dudamel, and the PS22 Chorus. In addition to the halftime entertainment, a closing ceremony featuring Robbie Williams, Tom Cruise, and Nicole Scherzinger is scheduled to begin 90 minutes before the Sunday 8 p.m. kickoff.
When factoring in the two scheduled five-minute hydration breaks, the total duration of the match, including potential extra time and penalties, could reach 160 minutes. Insiders suggest that additional time will likely be allocated for set construction and dismantling, as well as pundit analysis, contributing to the prolonged interval.
Last year's Club World Cup final saw a halftime interval of 25 minutes. The International Football Association Board (IFAB) previously rejected proposals to extend halftime breaks in 2021, citing concerns over the "negative impact on player welfare and safety resulting from a longer period of inactivity."
FIFA has declined to comment on the matter, beyond reiterating a previous statement that their aim is for an 11-minute show. However, the scale of the planned performances indicates a significant deviation from the established regulations.