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FIFA World Cup 2026 final halftime break extended to up to 30 minutes with star‑studded show
FIFA has announced that the halftime interval for the 2026 World Cup final will be lengthened far beyond the traditional 15‑minute break. Depending on the schedule, the pause could last from 20 to 30 minutes, allowing an 11‑minute halftime performance followed by additional entertainment before kickoff.
The closing ceremony, which begins 90 minutes before the match at New York‑New Jersey’s MetLife Stadium, will feature an international roster of performers. Confirmed artists include Justin Bieber, Shakira, Madonna, BTS, Burna Boy, Coldplay, Post Malone, Tom Cruise, Laura Pausini, Nicole Scherzinger, Robbie Williams, IShowSpeed and Jennifer Hudson, among others. The show is being produced by Global Citizen in partnership with Balich Wonder Studio and will also incorporate a charitable component supporting FIFA’s Global Citizen Education Fund.
FIFA’s decision to extend the interval has drawn commentary about player welfare, as the International Football Association Board’s rules normally limit halftime to 15 minutes. Nonetheless, the organization says the extended break will enhance the spectacle for the global audience and mark a historic first for a World Cup final.