The 2026 FIFA World Cup final is expected to include an extended half-time break to accommodate a Super Bowl-style entertainment show, according to the BBC.
The final will kick off at 3pm local time on Sunday, or 1am Bangladesh time on Monday, at New York New Jersey Stadium. The broadcaster reported that the planned half-time performance will last about 11 minutes and feature Madonna, Shakira and BTS.
According to the BBC, FIFA sources expect the interval to last around 20 minutes. Another option being considered is to retain the standard 15-minute half-time before staging the 11-minute performance.
Under the Laws of the Game, set by the International Football Association Board (IFAB), players are entitled to a half-time interval “not exceeding 15 minutes”.
Last year's FIFA Club World Cup final, also held in New Jersey, had a total half-time break of 24 minutes after a performance by Coldplay, J Balvin, Doja Cat, Tems and Emmanuel Kelly.
The BBC also reported that Justin Bieber was added to Sunday's entertainment line-up last week. He is expected to perform alongside Burna Boy, Gustavo Dudamel and the PS22 Chorus featuring Coldplay, with Coldplay frontman Chris Martin curating the show.
The closing ceremony is scheduled to begin at 1:30pm local time on Sunday, or 11:30pm Bangladesh time. It will feature performances by Tom Cruise, Laura Pausini, Nicole Scherzinger, Robbie Williams and IShowSpeed, while Jennifer Hudson is set to perform the United States national anthem.
Spain booked their place in the World Cup final with a 2-0 victory over France in the first semi-final in Dallas on Tuesday. They will face either England or Argentina, who meet in the second semi-final in Atlanta on Wednesday.
Source: BBC
