World Cup final half-time show cut to 17 minutes as UK broadcasters confirm coverage

The half-time show at the World Cup final will reportedly run for 17 minutes, easing fears that the interval could be stretched far beyond its usual length. FIFA has informed Argentina and Spain of the timing ahead of the final at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.

Reports in the Spanish newspaper Marca indicated the slot will be shorter than initially feared. The 17 minutes include around six minutes set aside for assembling and dismantling the stage, bringing the total close to the standard 15-minute break — the maximum half-time length permitted by the game's lawmakers, the International Football Association Board.

The show, curated by Coldplay frontman Chris Martin, will be co-headlined by Shakira, Madonna, Justin Bieber and K-pop group BTS. After the performance was announced, it was reported that both BBC and ITV would offer studio analysis instead of airing it live, but it has now been confirmed that both UK broadcasters will screen the acts, with the BBC switching between its pundits and ITV fitting coverage around advertising breaks.

Why the length matters

Player welfare has been a talking point around extended interval entertainment. The 2024 Copa America final between Argentina and Colombia in Miami featured a half-time show lasting about 25 minutes; Argentina won that match 1-0 in extra time. Colombia coach Nestor Lorenzo said at the time that the break should stay at 15 minutes because those are the rules, warning that a longer pause could let players cool down and affect their fitness.

• Half-time show reportedly set at 17 minutes, including about six minutes for stage assembly and removal
• IFAB rules cap half-time at 15 minutes
• BBC and ITV will both air the performances after earlier plans to keep coverage to analysis
• Performers include Shakira, Madonna, Justin Bieber and BTS, with Chris Martin curating
• Final takes place at MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, New Jersey

The final itself

Argentina, the holders, are aiming to become the first country to retain the trophy since Brazil in 1962, while Spain arrive as reigning European champions seeking a second World Cup title. England secured third place with a 10-goal win over France in the third-place match. The closing ceremony, which included a speech from Tom Cruise, pushed kick-off back to six minutes after the scheduled start time, a reminder of how tightly tournament schedules can be squeezed on the biggest occasions.

With the interval now expected to sit close to its normal length, attention turns to Sunday's final and whether the reduced break satisfies both squads and broadcasters. Any further changes to the running order would rest with FIFA.