FIFA surprises everyone with a tricky call in the World Cup final
FIFA is about to shake things up for the World Cup final on Sunday by breaking one of football’s oldest traditions. The semi-finals of the first-ever 48-team tournament start Tuesday night, with the big final happening less than a week later at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.
This 2026 World Cup is introducing lots of fresh changes, from new pre-match ceremonies and water breaks to major referee rule updates. But one of the biggest surprises? The very first half-time show ever during a World Cup final!
Inspired by the famous Super Bowl show in the NFL, the half-time will feature an 11-minute performance packed with stars like Justin Bieber, Shakira, Burna Boy, Madonna, and BTS. The show is being produced by Coldplay’s lead singer, Chris Martin. Plus, familiar faces from Sesame Street and The Muppets will join the fun.
However, this show does go against a usual football rule that says half-time has to be 15 minutes, only changeable if the referee agrees. Since the stage needs time to be set up and taken down, the total break will be longer. FIFA hasn’t said exactly how long, but reports suggest it will last anywhere from 20 to 30 minutes. Broadcasters like ITV and BBC plan to show the full half-time event.
This isn’t totally new for FIFA—last year’s Club World Cup final had a 24-minute half-time for performances by Doja Cat, Tems, and J Balvin. Also, in 2024’s Copa America, Shakira’s half-time show made the break last 26 minutes as Argentina and Colombia waited in the locker room.
The half-time show is sure to draw lots of viewers worldwide. Like the Super Bowl, the performers are not being paid. They’re volunteering because the show supports the Global Citizen charity, which works with FIFA’s Football for Schools program. The aim is to raise $100 million to help give kids everywhere better access to education and sports. Recently, Shakira announced a $500,000 donation to children in Venezuela after earthquakes hit the country.
Besides the half-time show, there will be a closing ceremony with performances from Robbie Williams, Laura Pausini, Nicole Scherzinger, and IShowSpeed, who’s been streaming at several games. Hollywood star Tom Cruise will make a special appearance, and Jennifer Hudson will sing the U.S. national anthem. It’s shaping up to be a World Cup final like no other!