The FIFA World Cup is set for one of the biggest changes in its history. For the first time, the 2026 World Cup final will feature a Super Bowl-style halftime show, marking a major shift from football’s long-standing traditions. Reports also suggest the halftime break could be extended beyond the usual 15 minutes to accommodate the star-studded entertainment, although FIFA has yet to officially confirm the exact duration.
The final will take place on Sunday at New Jersey Stadium, where Spain have already booked their place. They will face either defending champions Argentina or England, who meet in the second semifinal.
FIFA Brings a New Entertainment Experience to the World Cup Final
Football’s biggest match has always been about the action on the pitch. This year, however, FIFA is adding a major entertainment spectacle in an attempt to make the World Cup final feel even more like a global celebration.
Before kickoff, Academy Award, Emmy, Grammy and Tony Award winner Jennifer Hudson is expected to perform the United States national anthem during the opening ceremony.
The halftime show will then bring together some of the world’s biggest music stars, giving fans an experience similar to the Super Bowl’s famous mid-game performances.
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Halftime Could Last Nearly Twice as Long
According to the Laws of the Game set by the International Football Association Board (IFAB), halftime should not exceed 15 minutes.
However, several international reports indicate that the World Cup final may break from that tradition.
The BBC noted that last year’s FIFA Club World Cup final featured a 24-minute halftime because of performances from Coldplay, J Balvin, Doja Cat, Tems and Emmanuel Kelly. Meanwhile, The Mirror has reported that the 2026 World Cup final could have a halftime lasting close to 30 minutes.
FIFA has not officially announced the final duration of the break.
Star-Studded Line-Up Planned
The closing ceremony and halftime entertainment are expected to feature a long list of international celebrities.
Madonna, Shakira and K-pop sensation BTS are reportedly set to headline the halftime show, while Justin Bieber has also been linked with the event.
The closing ceremony is expected to include appearances from Tom Cruise, Laura Pausini, Nicole Scherzinger, Robbie Williams and popular streamer IShowSpeed, making it one of the biggest entertainment line-ups ever assembled for a football event.
Longer Break Raises Questions Over Player Welfare
The reported extension has already sparked discussion among football fans and experts.
A longer halftime could affect players physically by allowing their bodies to cool down more than usual, potentially impacting rhythm and match intensity once play resumes.
The debate is not new. CONMEBOL previously proposed increasing halftime intervals to 25 minutes, but IFAB rejected the idea, citing concerns that longer periods of inactivity could negatively affect player welfare and safety.
If the World Cup final does feature a significantly longer break, it would represent a notable departure from that earlier position.
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FIFA Wants Football and Entertainment to Go Hand in Hand
FIFA says the closing ceremony is designed to celebrate the tournament’s journey across Canada, Mexico and the United States while showcasing football’s global appeal.
The ceremony is being produced in partnership with Balich Wonder Studio, the creative team behind several large-scale international events.
FIFA World Cup 2026 Chief Operating Officer Heimo Schirgi said the show will bring the tournament “full circle through music, culture and football” before the world champions are crowned.
A Historic Final On and Off the Pitch
The FIFA World Cup 2026 final is already expected to be one of the most-watched sporting events in history. Now, with a Super Bowl-inspired halftime show and an expanded entertainment programme, FIFA is aiming to create an event that blends world-class football with global entertainment.
Whether fans embrace the change or prefer football’s traditional format, Sunday’s final promises to be remembered for much more than the result on the pitch.
