World Cup Final to Feature Super Bowl‑Style Halftime Show

Overview

• FIFA confirmed on Sunday that the 2026 World Cup final at MetLife Stadium will include an 11‑minute halftime performance curated by Chris Martin and featuring Madonna, Shakira, Justin Bieber, BTS, Burna Boy, Gustavo Dudamel and the PS22 Chorus.
• The halftime show is tied to a Global Citizen partnership that pledges US$1 from each ticket to the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund, which aims to raise US$100 million and has already collected more than US$50 million.
• FIFA is expected to keep the IFAB‑mandated 15‑minute player interval and run the 11‑minute performance afterward, which would extend the total match pause to about 26 minutes and affect match timing and broadcasts.
• Organizers point to a recent precedent when the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup final allowed a 24‑minute entertainment interval, and broadcasters including TV Globo and Globoplay will carry the pre‑match ceremony and final.
• Sports scientists and coaches warn that a prolonged pause can lower muscle temperature and focus, which could change player performance and raise injury risk, so monitoring warm‑up routines and medical measures will be important after the break.