FIFA Plans to Extend 2026 World Cup Final Halftime for Super Bowl-Style Show

FIFA is reportedly considering extending the halftime break in the 2026 World Cup final from 15 to 30 minutes to accommodate a major musical performance at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. Sources indicate the lineup could include Madonna, Justin Bieber, Shakira, BTS, and Burna Boy, with organizers aiming to replicate the spectacle of a Super Bowl halftime show. The plan, however, would violate the Laws of the Game, which cap the interval at 15 minutes. FIFA has previously bent this rule during the Club World Cup and the 2024 Copa América final, but doing so for the sport's biggest match is unprecedented. Critics warn that a half-hour pause could disrupt players' rhythm and physical readiness, leaving them idle for too long. FIFA has yet to comment officially on the proposal.