Overview
- FIFA on Wednesday announced the closing‑ceremony performers and schedule and major outlets report the final’s halftime will be lengthened to about 25–30 minutes to allow an roughly 11‑minute live performance.
- The official communiqué named artists for the pre‑match ceremony starting at 1:30 p.m. Miami time and confirmed Laura Pausini, Nicole Scherzinger and Robbie Williams for the ceremony.
- FIFA’s written rules state halftime “shall not exceed 15 minutes” but also include clauses that let binding FIFA or tournament rules prevail, which reporters cite as the legal basis for the longer break.
- Players, coaches and some clubs have warned a much longer halftime could disrupt tactical rhythm, extend recovery windows and worsen pitch wear on the MetLife Stadium surface, concerns voiced during the tournament by figures such as Didier Deschamps and Vinícius.
- Organizers point to a recent precedent when the 2025 Club World Cup used a 24‑minute halftime show, and the World Cup change could prompt other competitions to reassess pause rules and stadium operations for large productions.