Fifa set to break rules as details emerge about World Cup final half-time show

The World Cup final half-time show could last up to 30 minutes as FIFA prepares to break the International Football Association Board's (Ifab) rules.

The production is meant to be 11 minutes in a Super Bowl-style performance, which will be co-headlined by Madonna, Shakira and BTS.

Sources within World Cup organisers suggested the break would be around 20 minutes, with the BBC and ITV anticipating half an hour's worth of song and dance.

The move will breach Ifab's rules that state players' half-time must "not exceed 15 minutes".

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Last year's Club World Cup final between Chelsea and PSG's half-time lasted a total of 24 minutes, which was also organised by Fifa.

The performance featured Coldplay, J Balvin, Doja Cat, Tems, and Emmanuel Kelly, and gave both sides an extra nine minutes of rest.

Justin Bieber was announced last week as a co-headliner of the show.

FIFA said the performance will showcase "football, music and social impact coming together in the first-ever World Cup final half-time show" at the New York-New Jersey Stadium.

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Nigerian artist Burna Boy will perform during an 11-minute broadcast at half-time, alongside Venezuelan conductor Gustavo Dudamel, the PS 22 Chorus, and Coldplay.

FIFA said the performance will support its Global Citizen Education Fund, aiming to raise $100million (£74.5million).

The initiative aims "to expand access to quality education and football opportunities for children worldwide".

FIFA said that $1 from every World Cup match ticket sold is "being donated to support social projects around the world".

The governing body's president, Gianni Infantino, said: "When it comes to what the world needs, there is nothing more important than education.

"We are proud to have Justin Bieber joining Madonna, Shakira and BTS to co-headline the Fifa World Cup 2026 final half-time show in support of the Fifa Global Citizen Education Fund and our mission to expand access to quality education and football opportunities for children around the world.

"As the world unites for the most significant football match in history on Sunday, July 19 at the New York New Jersey Stadium, this groundbreaking spectacle, curated by Chris Martin of Coldplay, will celebrate football, music and our shared values, ensuring a legacy that transcends the final whistle."

US President Donald Trump will be on hand to present the World Cup final trophy, Infantino confirmed.

"We will be together with the president, enjoying the final and handing the trophy to the winner, of course, together," Infantino said.

Spain have already booked their place in the final after beating France 2-0 yesterday.

England are looking to join the Spaniards this evening, with their semi-final contest against Argentina due to take place at 8pm.

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