FIFA is planning a half-time show for the World Cup final, but it would be a major change to the traditional way of playing the game and would require the usual 15-minute break to be significantly extended.
Halftime shows are scheduled for World Cup finals, and players, coaches and broadcasters are feeling the effects.
Halftime at this summer’s World Cup final will be significantly longer than the standard 15 minutes due to FIFA’s plans to use MetLife Stadium’s field for mid-game shows.
This will be the first time the tournament will ignore sports’ normal 15-minute break to showcase entertainment, but it would be consistent with what happens at America’s most-watched sporting event, the Super Bowl.
MetLife Stadium, home of NFL franchises the New York Giants and New York Jets, will be the venue for the final, and was also the host of the Club World Cup final last year. FIFA staged halftime entertainment featuring musicians Doja Cat, J. Balvin, and Tems, but built a stage high above the stands rather than using the field to avoid disrupting the playing field.
FIFA has told broadcast partners it plans to announce the line-up of performers for the World Cup final half-time show on May 14, with The Athletic reporting that the pitch could be used for performances.
In last year’s Club World Cup final, when Chelsea defeated PSG, the half-time break lasted just over 24 minutes, rather than the 15 minutes stipulated by competition regulations.
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Coaches, support staff and broadcasters will likely have to change their usual plans and clarity is needed before making plans. The halftime show affects the players and their bodies. Coaches can fine-tune their halftime message delivery.
Those involved in sports science must plan for adequate rest at half-time, but must also account for the unusually extended break to allow players to physically prepare for the second half.
Broadcasters are waiting to see what FIFA’s plans are for this year’s final, as longer half-time periods mean changes to programming and schedules.
MetLife Stadium in New York is where the 2026 World Cup final will be held (Image: Jordan Bank – Premier League/Premier League via Getty Images)
Super Bowl halftime shows are typically around 15 minutes long, but often extend to 25 to 30 minutes to account for changes and adjustments to pitch conditions.
Coldplay frontman Chris Martin has teamed up with Global Citizen to put together a halftime show. As a result, there are rumors that Coldplay will appear. Shakira announced the official World Cup last week, but another name has been touted for the final.
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