The 2026 World Cup final, scheduled for 19/7 at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, is set to be the biggest entertainment event in the tournament's history. FIFA has confirmed an 11-minute halftime performance featuring numerous stars, including Madonna, Justin Bieber, Shakira, BTS, Burna Boy, the PS22 Chorus, and Coldplay.

According to Telegraph, British broadcasters have prepared for a break lasting up to 30 minutes to air the performance and provide halftime commentary, as is customary. If this occurs, it will be the longest halftime interval in World Cup final history.

Future and Tyla perform during the opening ceremony before the United States vs. Paraguay match in Group D of the 2026 World Cup in Inglewood, near Los Angeles, on 12/6. Photo: AP

Under the Laws of the Game by the International Football Association Board (IFAB), the halftime interval must not exceed 15 minutes and can only be altered with the referee's permission. In 2021, the South American Football Confederation (CONMEBOL) proposed extending this limit to 25 minutes, but IFAB rejected this.

At the time, IFAB argued that extending the break could negatively impact player fitness and safety due to the extended pause in play.

However, FIFA previously broke tradition at the 2025 Club World Cup final, also held at MetLife Stadium. On that occasion, performances by Tems, J Balvin, and Doja Cat extended the break to over 24 minutes.

CONMEBOL also sparked controversy at the 2024 Copa America final when Shakira performed for about 25 minutes during the match between Argentina and Colombia. Colombia coach Nestor Lorenzo complained about the absurdity, as he had previously been warned by organizers for returning his team to the field just one minute late in a prior match.

Unlike the Club World Cup, where the stage was erected in the stands, the World Cup final show will take place directly on the pitch. This means organizers must set up and dismantle the stage in mere minutes before the second half begins, making it difficult to shorten the halftime break. Furthermore, substitute players will also warm up on the pitch while the main squad rests.

FIFA describes the show as a "milestone combining sport, music, and global influence." The program is produced by Global Citizen, aiming to raise 100 million USD for their Education Fund, with the goal of expanding learning and football opportunities for children worldwide. According to The Athletic, participating artists are not receiving payment.

Beyond the halftime show, the 2026 World Cup final will also feature a large-scale closing ceremony starting 90 minutes before kickoff. Spectators can enter the stadium from 11h, while the closing ceremony begins at 13h30, New Jersey time.

Jennifer Hudson will sing the US national anthem, with Robbie Williams, Laura Pausini, Nicole Scherzinger, and YouTube sensation IShowSpeed also participating. Actor Tom Cruise is confirmed to attend, following his notable appearance at the 2024 Paris Olympics closing ceremony.

The first team confirmed for the 2026 World Cup final is Spain, after their 2-0 victory over France in the first semifinal. The other finalist will be determined by the second semifinal between England and Argentina.

Hoang An (according to Telegraph, Marca)