New FIFA precedent – and it could happen in the World Cup Final!

However, FIFA reportedly already set a similar precedent during last year’s Club World Cup, when the halftime break lasted approximately 25 minutes.

According to the British newspaper, the world football governing body’s aim is to turn the World Cup final into a global spectacle with additional entertainment content, similar to the famous Super Bowl halftime show.

The introduction of a longer halftime break has also raised certain concerns, particularly over the possibility that the additional time could be used for more commercial content.

Some observers have already criticized the three-minute cooling breaks for players during both halves, arguing that they could create opportunities for additional advertising.

If FIFA approves the change, the 2026 World Cup final could become the match with the longest halftime interval in the history of the tournament.

The spectacle is scheduled to take place on July 19, 2026, at MetLife Stadium in New York during the halftime break of the World Cup final. FIFA has announced that the program will last 11 minutes and combine sport, music, and a humanitarian mission.

Alongside Bieber, Madonna, Shakira, and BTS, the performers are also expected to include Burna Boy, renowned Venezuelan conductor Gustavo Dudamel, and the famous children’s choir PS22 Chorus with support from the band Coldplay.

The creative director of the entire program is Coldplay frontman Chris Martin.