Fifa faces backlash over 30-minute World Cup final halftime show
The World Cup final, scheduled for 19 July at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, is expected to feature a halftime performance headlined by global music stars including Shakira, Madonna, Justin Bieber and BTS, with the show reportedly curated by Coldplay frontman Chris Martin.
Fifa is facing growing criticism over plans to extend the halftime break of the 2026 Fifa World Cup final to around 30 minutes to accommodate a star-studded entertainment show, a move that has raised concerns over player welfare and compliance with football's laws.
The World Cup final, scheduled for 19 July at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, is expected to feature a halftime performance headlined by global music stars including Shakira, Madonna, Justin Bieber and BTS, with the show reportedly curated by Coldplay frontman Chris Martin.
Under the Laws of the Game set by the International Football Association Board (IFAB), halftime intervals must not exceed 15 minutes. Critics argue that Fifa's reported decision effectively disregards that regulation and could affect both player safety and the integrity of the match.
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Sports medicine experts and football officials have long warned that prolonged breaks can disrupt players' physical rhythm.
IFAB has previously stated that extending halftime could have a negative impact on player welfare and safety because of the longer period of inactivity, potentially increasing the risk of injuries when play resumes.
The controversy is not without precedent. During the 2025 Fifa Club World Cup final in the United States, halftime was extended to approximately 25 minutes for an entertainment performance, a move widely seen as a rehearsal for the expanded 2026 World Cup.
Fifa's position has also drawn accusations of inconsistency. In 2021, IFAB rejected a request from South American football governing body CONMEBOL to increase halftime to 25 minutes, citing concerns over player welfare. Fifa supported that decision at the time but has since adopted longer halftimes in competitions under its own control.
The Super Bowl, renowned for its elaborate halftime entertainment, typically features breaks lasting between 20 and 30 minutes, significantly longer than the standard halftime in football. Critics say adopting a similar model risks prioritising commercial spectacle over sporting tradition.
Adding to the debate, the BBC has reportedly decided not to broadcast the halftime performance, opting instead to continue its traditional studio analysis of the first half.
A Fifa spokesperson said the halftime show would be broadcast live to millions of viewers worldwide, describing it as a historic addition to the World Cup final.
