FIFA stretches World Cup final halftime break to at least 25 minutes, sparking rule breach concerns

FIFA announced that the halftime show at the World Cup final will exceed the usual 15‑minute interval, with a minimum duration of 25 minutes, featuring performances by Shakira, Madonna and Justin Bieber. The extension raises questions about player fatigue and compliance with existing regulations. and the outlet Google-favoriet‌De reported that FIFA originally told broadcasters the halftime entertainment would last only 11 minutes, designed to fit within a standard 15‑minute break. The International Football Association Board (IFAB) sets a maximum halftime length of 15 minutes, and only the referee may alter that period. By planning a longer spectacle, FIFA appears to be contravening the IFAB rule. , the Dutch broadcaster, said it still does not know the exact schedule for Sunday. ‑hoofdredacteur Xander van der Wulp told Algemeen Dagblad, “The break will not be 15 minutes, but at least 25 minutes. According to the official football rules that is not allowed. FIFA is stretching its own rules.”

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Reuters reported that the opening ceremony alone will require 14 minutes to assemble and dismantle the stage, meaning the pause will be even longer. Players will have to cool down and then warm up again, a scenario likely to produce unusual on‑field footage. The halftime roster includes Madonna, Shakira, Justin Bieber, Coldplay and the K‑pop group BTS. The closing ceremony will also feature Laura Pausini, Nicole Scherzinger and Robbie Williams, with Getty Images providing visual coverage of Shakira’s appearance. The final is set for 21:00 Belgian time at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, where England or Argentina will meet Spain. Photo credits cite NewsLEES OOK for stadium images. French media, referencing Zidane and Platini, criticized the decision, while mentions of the Jupiler Pro League’s VAR‑beslissingen, Kylian Mbappé’s earnings, English WK‑bonussen and the RAPPORT99 “Een …” WK‑rapport on the Rode Duivels were also noted in surrounding coverage. The term De appears in several Dutch sources, and the fragment Mbapp is present in the same context.