The 2026 FIFA World Cup final between Spain and Argentina is set to break away from the traditional rhythm of a football match, with the half-hour interval expected to be longer than usual to accommodate a Super Bowl-style entertainment show. The move, which reportedly requires FIFA to request a special exemption from the International Football Association Board (IFAB), has already sparked debate among players, coaches and fans, especially among purists who see the long break as a disruption to the flow and competitiveness of the game.While the exact duration has not been officially confirmed, estimates suggest that the interval may exceed 20 minutes and may be closer to 25 minutes, with some planning putting the total disruption at around 30 minutes once all elements of the operation are involved.
Why FIFA reportedly wants an exception
Under the IFAB Laws of the Game, the half-time interval “shall not exceed 15 minutes” unless the competition rules provide otherwise. Although FIFA organizes the World Cup, it cannot unilaterally alter the Laws of the Game, which are governed by the International Football Association Board (IFAB). As a result, FIFA has reportedly requested an exception to extend half-time for the planned Super Bowl-style entertainment show at the end.According to MARCA, FIFA has prepared a detailed operational schedule for the break, which explains the longer duration needed to hold the show.
The halftime schedule explains:
MARCA reports that the extended interval is structured around three key phases.
- Stage setup (about 5 minutes). Immediately after the first half, a large crew will enter the pitch to assemble a temporary stage without damaging the playing field.
- The halftime show (approximately 13-15 minutes). The main show will take place, with a large production with music, lighting and visual effects.
- Dismantling and restoring the pitch (about 5 minutes). The stage and equipment will be dismantled in a few minutes, with the pitch returned to its original state and left exactly as it was before kickoff, ensuring no impact on the second half.
This tightly coordinated sequence is designed to keep the total disruption within a planned 25 to 30-minute window.The procedure follows last year’s FIFA Club World Cup final in New Jersey, where half-time was extended to approximately 24 minutes due to a similar entertainment show, an event widely seen as a rehearsal for the 2026 World Cup final, especially since it was also held in the United States.
Star-studded entertainment is planned
The final is set to feature FIFA’s first ever World Cup half-time show of this scale.According to the organizers, the show will be hosted by Coldplay frontman Chris Martin and is expected to feature global stars such as Shakira, Justin Bieber, BTS, Madonna and Burna Boy. Gustavo Dudamel and the PS22 Chorus, who performed alongside Coldplay, are also expected to be part of the production.Entertainment lasts more than half an hour. FIFA has confirmed that Post Malone will headline the pre-match Closing Ceremony, which is also set to feature performances from Robbie Williams, Laura Pausini, Nicole Scherzinger and internet personality IShowSpeed. Grammy Award-winning singer Jennifer Hudson is expected to perform the national anthem of the United States before the start.
Debate about player welfare
The reported extension has prompted discussion about its potential impact on the game itself.The IFAB previously warned that significantly extending the interval could affect the player’s well-being by increasing the period of inactivity before the second half, which could increase the risk of muscle injuries once play resumes.The issue also gained attention because IFAB rejected a request from CONMEBOL in 2021 to extend half-time to 25 minutes, citing similar welfare concerns. Critics have pointed to the earlier decision while questioning whether FIFA’s latest plans represent a departure from previous positions.Regardless of the final duration, Sunday’s meeting between Spain and Argentina is set to be the first ever World Cup final with a full-scale Super Bowl-style half-time show, marking another significant change in football’s biggest event as FIFA continues to mix elite competition with large-scale entertainment.