FIFA extends World Cup final halftime to 17 minutes for star-studded show

As Spain and Argentina face off in the 2026 World Cup final, the halftime show will feature a concert led by Chris Martin with Shakira, Madonna, BTS, Burna Boy and Justin Bieber. FIFA has extended the halftime break to 17 minutes for the performance.

Scraper SystemJuly 18, 2026, 11:12 AM

FIFA extends World Cup final halftime to 17 minutes for star-studded show

The 2026 FIFA World Cup final between Spain and Argentina will be a spectacle not only on the pitch but also during halftime. At MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, the final will feature a halftime show reminiscent of the Super Bowl, the championship game of American football.

FIFA announced on Friday in a notification to both teams that the halftime break, normally 15 minutes, has been extended to 17 minutes for the concert. This decision puts an end to earlier media speculation that the break could be extended to as long as 30 minutes.

The artistic performance, lasting approximately 11 minutes, will be directed by Coldplay frontman Chris Martin. Global superstars such as Shakira, Madonna, BTS, Burna Boy and Justin Bieber will also take part. The remaining time will be used for setting up and dismantling the stage, as well as watering the pitch, which has drawn criticism for its dry surface throughout the tournament.

Spain, seeking a second title after their first in 2010, will take on an Argentina team led by Lionel Messi that aims to retain the trophy and claim a second straight, and fourth overall, World Cup victory.