FIFA to Allow 30-Minute Half-Time at World Cup Final for Performance and Broadcast Segments

FIFA will extend the half-time interval at the World Cup final to 30 minutes to accommodate an 11-minute performance. The match kicks off at 5 a.m. Monday at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. The laws of the game limit the interval to 15 minutes.

FIFA allowed a 25-minute half-time break at the 2025 Club World Cup. Broadcasters are preparing for the 30-minute pause that combines the performance with their standard 15-minute analysis segment. A closing ceremony featuring Robbie Williams, Tom Cruise and Nicole Scherzinger begins 90 minutes before kickoff.

Madonna, Justin Bieber, Shakira, BTS, Burna Boy, Gustavo Dudamel and the PS22 Chorus featuring Coldplay are scheduled to perform on Sunday at the same stadium. Each half of the match already includes a three-minute hydration break. The International Football Association Board rejected a 2021 proposal to extend the maximum half-time interval to 25 minutes, citing the negative impact on player welfare and safety from a longer period of inactivity.

CONMEBOL staged a 25-minute concert at the 2024 Copa America final in Miami. Colombia head coach Nestor Lorenzo was sanctioned at that tournament for his team returning from half-time one minute late. FIFA has been approached for comment.