FIFA Sets World Cup Final Half-Time Show at 17 Minutes

FIFA has reportedly informed Spain and Argentina that the half-time show at the World Cup final will last 17 minutes, easing concerns that the interval could be stretched far beyond the norm for a match of this size.

The performance is an unprecedented addition to a World Cup final, and earlier reports had suggested it could run for as long as half an hour. According to Spanish newspaper Marca, the agreed 17 minutes includes six minutes set aside to assemble and dismantle the stage, bringing the break close to the standard 15-minute half-time.

The 15-minute limit is the maximum interval permitted by the game's lawmakers, the International Football Association Board (IFAB), so any extension would have required an exception for the final at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.

Who is on the bill

Shakira, Madonna, Justin Bieber and K-pop group BTS will co-headline the show, which has been put together by Coldplay frontman Chris Martin. Shakira also performed at the tournament's opening ceremony in Mexico City. Tom Cruise, Robbie Williams and internet personality IShowSpeed are among the names billed for the closing ceremony, which will take place in the build-up to kick-off rather than at half-time.

Why the length matters

Extended intervals have caused friction before. The 2024 Copa America final between Argentina and Colombia in Miami featured a half-time show of around 25 minutes. Before that match, which Argentina won 1-0 in extra time, Colombia coach Nestor Lorenzo argued the break should stick to 15 minutes as the rules require, warning that a longer stoppage risks players cooling down and losing the recovery time they need.

• Half-time show reportedly set at 17 minutes, including six minutes to build and remove the stage
• IFAB allows a maximum interval of 15 minutes
• Shakira, Madonna, Justin Bieber and BTS co-headline; Chris Martin assembled the show
• The 2024 Copa America final had a half-time show of roughly 25 minutes
• Kick-off is at 8pm BST (3pm local) at MetLife Stadium

On the pitch, holders Argentina are chasing a second consecutive title, aiming to become the first nation to retain the trophy since Brazil in 1962. Spain, the reigning European champions, stand in their way as they seek a second World Cup. England secured third place earlier in the week with a high-scoring win over France.