FIFA rejects 30-minute halftime proposal for MetLife Stadium World Cup final

FIFA has finalised the organisational logistics for this Sunday's World Cup final between Spain and Argentina at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, clarifying that the halftime intermission will be strictly capped at 17 minutes.

The decision, communicated directly to the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) and the Argentine Football Association (AFA), dispels widespread media speculation that the break would extend beyond 30 minutes to accommodate high-profile entertainment.

According to tournament organisers, the 17-minute window, just two minutes longer than a standard football halftime, allots exactly 11 minutes for musical performances by Shakira, Madonna, and Justin Bieber. The remaining six minutes will be divided between the rapid assembly and dismantling of the performance stage and watering the pitch. Pitch irrigation has emerged as a key tactical concern for the Spanish delegation, following complaints that the MetLife Stadium surface appeared unusually dry and slow during earlier tournament fixtures.

This won't be football's first extended half-time break. During the 2024 Copa America final, Shakira performed at Hard Rock Stadium during a 26-minute stoppage.

Global Citizen will produce the World Cup final show. The artists involved are performing without payment, with the event supporting FIFA's Global Citizen Education Fund. 

The initiative aims to raise $100 million to improve access to quality education and expand football opportunities for children worldwide.

FIFA also confirmed that standard environmental protocols remain unchanged for the final. Due to the high temperatures recorded across North America during the tournament, two mandatory cooling and hydration breaks will be implemented, occurring midway through each half of play.

By Tamilla Hasanova