FIFA plans extended World Cup final half-time show
The World Cup final half-time show could last up to 30 minutes as FIFA prepares to break the International Football Association Board’s (Ifab) rules, reports BritPanorama.
While the production is designed to span 11 minutes in a Super Bowl-style performance, sources within World Cup organisers anticipate the break to extend to about 20 minutes, with broadcasters BBC and ITV expecting a full half-hour of entertainment.
This decision contravenes Ifab’s regulations, which stipulate that half-time must not exceed 15 minutes.
Last year’s Club World Cup final also saw an extended half-time, lasting a total of 24 minutes, during which performances were made by Coldplay, J Balvin, Doja Cat, Tems, and Emmanuel Kelly, providing both teams with additional rest time. Justin Bieber was announced last week as another co-headliner for this year’s show.
FIFA has expressed that the performance will showcase “football, music, and social impact coming together in the first-ever World Cup final half-time show” at the New York-New Jersey Stadium. Nigerian artist Burna Boy and Venezuelan conductor Gustavo Dudamel will also feature, in addition to the PS 22 Chorus and Coldplay, with FIFA aiming to raise $100 million (£74.5 million) for its Global Citizen Education Fund during the event.
This initiative strives to enhance access to quality education and football opportunities for children worldwide, with FIFA committing that $1 from every World Cup match ticket sold will support social projects globally.
FIFA president Gianni Infantino emphasised the importance of education, stating, “When it comes to what the world needs, there is nothing more important than education.” He welcomed Justin Bieber, Madonna, Shakira, and BTS to headline the show, further asserting, “This groundbreaking spectacle…will celebrate football, music, and our shared values, ensuring a legacy that transcends the final whistle.”
In a notable appearance, US President Donald Trump is expected to present the World Cup final trophy. Infantino confirmed, “We will be together with the president, enjoying the final and handing the trophy to the winner, of course, together.” Following Spain’s advance to the final after defeating France 2-0, England aims to join them as they face Argentina in a semi-final showdown this evening.
As the world gears up for a historic football event, the interplay of sport, entertainment, and social causes lends a new dimension to what is expected to be a riveting World Cup final.
