Maybe you'd rather be a vuvuzela, after all?

FIFA has officially announced the duration of the halftime break during the World Cup final, confirming it will last just 17 minutes. This decision comes after earlier reports suggested the intermission could extend up to 25 or even more than 30 minutes due to a planned high-profile musical performance. The organization has now clarified that such claims were unfounded. The final match between Argentina and Spain will take place at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, marking the culmination of the tournament. As part of its efforts to align with American sporting traditions, FIFA has opted for a halftime show similar to those featured during the Super Bowl. This includes performances by Shakira, Madonna, and Justin Bieber. According to reports, the concert itself is expected to last exactly 11 minutes, with additional time allocated for setting up and dismantling the temporary stage, as well as preparing the pitch. Despite these plans, there have been uncertainties regarding the total duration of the halftime period. Some sources suggest that the entire process, concert, setup, and cleanup, could take around 17 minutes, which would still be significantly longer than the typical 15-minute break in European football matches. However, FIFA has reassured fans that the break will ultimately amount to just 17 minutes, addressing concerns raised by some spectators who had feared a much longer intermission. Spain’s national team had previously expressed worries about the dry conditions on the MetLife Stadium pitch, which they believed could affect the flow of play. The decision to keep the halftime break relatively short appears to address these concerns while still allowing for the elaborate entertainment planned for the occasion. FIFA has also confirmed that the rule regarding player timeouts for hydration will remain unchanged. Given the high temperatures, officials will pause the game briefly during each half to allow players to cool down, following the same protocol used throughout the tournament so far. The lineup of performers for the halftime show has sparked considerable interest among fans. While Shakira's participation was anticipated, given her role as the official song of the tournament, the inclusion of Madonna and Justin Bieber came as a surprise. There has been speculation about how these artists might perform under the circumstances, particularly considering Madonna's age and the generational gap between her and Bieber. Madonna, who turns 68 in July, is expected to deliver a rendition of one of her most iconic hits, “Like a Virgin.” Meanwhile, Justin Bieber, who is nearly three decades younger than Madonna, brings a different kind of energy to the performance. Both artists have expressed enthusiasm about participating in the event, though details about their specific contributions remain undisclosed. As the World Cup approaches its climax, all eyes are on the final match and the unique spectacle that accompanies it. With the halftime show set to feature some of the biggest names in music, the event promises to be a memorable moment in the history of international football. Fans are eagerly awaiting the start of the final, hoping for a thrilling encounter between two of the tournament’s standout teams.