FIFA Confirms 17-Minute Halftime Break for 2026 World Cup Final in New Jersey
Contrary to recent rumors suggesting an extended halftime break of around 30 minutes for the 2026 World Cup final, FIFA has confirmed the break will last only 17 minutes. This duration is two minutes longer than the standard halftime in football matches. The final, set to take place at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on Sunday at 22:00, will feature Spain and Argentina.
According to reports from Marca, the 17-minute halftime will allocate 11 minutes to a musical performance featuring Shakira, Madonna, and Justin Bieber. The remaining six minutes will be used for stage setup and dismantling, as well as watering the pitch. The condition of the grass has been a concern, particularly for the Spanish team, as previous matches at MetLife Stadium showed a dry and slow playing surface.
Organizers face the challenge of completing all halftime activities promptly to avoid delaying the second half. The announcement clarifies earlier speculation that the halftime could extend to 25 minutes or even over 30 minutes due to multiple performances and preparations. No official responses have been released yet by the teams or FIFA regarding the halftime arrangements.
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