FIFA is set to temporarily depart from the traditional Laws of the Game by extending the half-time interval during Sunday’s FIFA World Cup final to approximately 30 minutes to accommodate the tournament’s first-ever Super Bowl-style half-time show.
According to The Times, the extended interval will allow for an elaborate entertainment spectacle featuring a lineup of global music stars, marking a historic first for a FIFA World Cup final.
Under Law 7 of the International Football Association Board (IFAB), the half-time interval in football matches should not exceed 15 minutes.
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However, FIFA is expected to double that duration for the final, a decision that has sparked debate among football fans and pundits over its potential impact on the flow of the game and player welfare.
The governing body had earlier confirmed plans to introduce a major half-time entertainment show for the 2026 World Cup final, with organisers expected to use the additional time for stage setup, performances and dismantling before the second half resumes.
The unprecedented move is expected to make Sunday’s final one of the most commercially significant and entertainment-driven events in FIFA World Cup history, blending football with a spectacle similar to the NFL’s Super Bowl halftime show.