Due to the halftime show, the World Cup final will be suspended for approximately 25 minutes.

The World Cup final on Sunday in New York will feature two historic firsts: a match between the reigning world champion and the current European champion, and the debut of a halftime show. According to the FIFA, the intermission will last approximately 25 minutes, significantly longer than the standard 15-minute break allowed under official football rules. The extended pause includes six minutes for setup and 11 minutes of musical performances, with acts such as Madonna, Shakira, and the K-pop group BTS confirmed to participate. Additional performers include Nigerian musician Burna Boy, Venezuelan conductor Gustavo Dudamel, the band Coldplay, and a New York elementary school choir. The event is being produced jointly by FIFA and the advocacy group Global Citizen, which aims to raise funds for children's education worldwide. The decision to extend the halftime break follows precedents set in previous major tournaments. At the Club World Cup final in 2025, held in New Jersey, a similar 25-minute show took place during the match between Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain. Performers included Doja Cat, J Balvin, and Tems, and the presentation was staged in the stands rather than on the field. Similarly, during the 2024 Copa América final in South America, which mirrored the structure of the European Championship, the halftime show lasted 25 minutes. Shakira performed during the break in the Argentina vs. Colombia final, prompting concerns from Colombian national team coach Néstor Lorenzo about potential effects on player health, including increased injury risk due to cooling down. The International Football Association Board (IFAB), responsible for governing the sport’s rules, has consistently opposed extending the halftime break beyond 15 minutes. In 2021, when CONMEBOL formally requested an increase to 25 minutes, IFAB expressed reservations over possible negative impacts on players' physical well-being. A statement at the time noted concerns about prolonged inactivity affecting athlete health. Several former professional players serve on IFAB’s advisory board, and many have voiced skepticism about even the existing 15-minute interval. Hans-Georg Predel, director of the Institute for Circulatory Research and Sports Medicine at Germany’s Cologne University of Applied Sciences, warned that extending the break to 25 or 30 minutes would significantly alter physiological conditions for athletes. Despite these concerns, FIFA President Gianni Infantino has endorsed the move, stating on Instagram that the halftime show would “do justice to the greatest sporting event in the world.” The organization appears to draw inspiration from North American sports culture, particularly the Super Bowl, which features elaborate halftime spectacles each year. This approach aligns with FIFA’s broader strategy of incorporating global cultural elements into its events, aiming to enhance viewer engagement and expand the tournament’s appeal beyond traditional football audiences. The logistics of the halftime show in New York involve careful coordination to ensure minimal disruption to the game itself. After the halftime whistle, teams will have six minutes for setup before the performance begins. Once the show concludes, immediate efforts will focus on dismantling equipment and watering the pitch, allowing play to resume promptly. This process is designed to keep the overall interruption within the estimated 25-minute window, balancing entertainment value with practical considerations for the competition. The inclusion of diverse performers reflects FIFA’s commitment to showcasing international talent and promoting social causes through its platform. Global Citizen, one of the event organizers, emphasized the dual purpose of raising awareness and funds for children’s education. The collaboration underscores the growing trend of integrating charitable initiatives into high-profile sporting events, leveraging their global reach for broader societal impact. As preparations continue for the World Cup final, attention remains focused on how the extended halftime break might affect gameplay and player performance. While some stakeholders remain cautious about potential risks, others view the change as a necessary evolution to meet modern expectations for spectacle and engagement. The outcome could influence future decisions regarding halftime structures in international football competitions.