FIFA has said the World Cup final half-time show will last significantly less time than expected following reports that it could run for up to half an hour.

Argentina will attempt to defend their crown on Sunday when they take on Spain in the World Cup final at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, with Lionel Scaloni’s side looking to become the first team to win back-to-back World Cups since Brazil in 1958 and 1962.

It has been confirmed that the World Cup final will feature a Super Bowl-style halftime show, with performances expected from Madonna, Justin Bieber, Shakira, BTS, Burna Boy, Coldplay, and more.

FIFA World Cup Final
Shakira and FIFA president Gianni Infantino. Pic: Eva Marie Uzcategui – FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images

Earlier in the week, reports emerged that the halftime show could take up to 30 minutes, meaning FIFA would be breaking a longstanding rule in football which stipulates that half-time lasts only 15 minutes.

According to the rulebook from IFAB (International Football Association Board), the break ‘may be altered only with the referee’s permission.’ While the halftime show is only 11 minutes long, time is needed to erect and remove the stage on the pitch where the artists will perform.

However, FIFA has now contacted the Spanish and Argentinian football associations to confirm that the half-time break will last a total of 17 minutes, leaving just six minutes dedicated to the assembly and dismantling of the stage.

The Opening Ceremony before the FIFA World Cup 2026. Pic: Michael Steele/Getty Images
The Opening Ceremony before the FIFA World Cup 2026. Pic: Michael Steele/Getty Images

In 2021, CONMEBOL, the governing body of football in South America, wanted to extend the maximum half-time length to 25 minutes, but that was rejected by IFAB due to the ‘negative impact on player welfare and safety resulting from a longer period of inactivity’.

CONMEBOL then produced a half-time show for the Copa América final between Argentina and Colombia in 2024, which lasted around 25 minutes, with Colombia head coach Néstor Lorenzo giving his two cents at the time.

‘We’ll be walking back out 20 to 25 minutes later. This could affect the players’ fitness; they could cool down too much. Those minutes of recovery in the dressing room… people don’t understand what it takes to reach those levels,’ he said.

Meanwhile, Sunday’s World Cup final will also include a closing ceremony show starting 90 minutes before kick-off involving Robbie Williams, Tom Cruise and Nicole Scherzinger.