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Published 10:27 20 Jul 2026 GMT
Justin Bieber performed as part of the World Cup final half-time show, which lasted longer than expected.
This year's final at the New York-New Jersey stadium was the first of its kind to feature a half-time show, which was fitting given the host nations.
Spain emerged as 1-0 victors over Messi and his Argentina side, in a cagey final where the latter had more bookings than shots on goal.
La Roja won't care too much, as an extra-time half-volley by substitute Ferran Torres sealed the European champions' second-ever World Cup win.
But in the midst of 120 minutes of scrappy soccer, FIFA had planned a half-time show featuring the likes of Bieber, Shakira, Madonna, Coldplay, and BTS among other artists.
They remained adamant that the show would rarely breach the International Football Association Board's (IFAB) rules on the duration of a half-time break, but this was far from the case.
FIFA had claimed that the half-time show would last just 17 minutes, with the music acts taking just 11 minutes to perform.
Even if this was the case, IFAB states that half-time must "not exceed 15 minutes."
Broadcasters prepared for a half-hour stoppage regardless, with the second half restart expected to be delayed.
The Times journalist Martyn Ziegler took to X after the show's conclusion, writing: "Half-time was 27min 18 secs - the maximum permitted under FIFA's laws of the game is 15 mins."
Unfortunately for Beliebers, the Canadian popstar is partly guilty for contributing to this precedent, despite delivering a heartfelt version of 'EVERYTHING HALLELUJAH', with a World Cup twist.
The Super Bowl-inspired mini-concert opened with Madonna walking out with soccer legends Ronaldinho and Ronaldo Nazario, before other acts performed to the millions watching around the world.
Ultimately, the break was almost half an hour, but luckily for soccer fans, it didn't have too much of an effect on the run of play.
The extra time taken to set up and dismantle the stage didn't change the run of play, with Spain holding the majority of possession as Argentina fought to defend their box over the course of 90 minutes, failing to register a shot on target.
After a 0-0 finish after 90 minutes, the game went to extra-time, where Spain finally broke the deadlock at the start of the second period, as Ferran Torres lashed home.
Argentina, who had a man sent off, also started a brawl following the final whistle, leaving a mark on Lionel Messi's final ever World Cup game.
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The football federation has broken its own rules in the past, having held a half-time show during last year's Club World Cup final, which was also held in the US.
This lasted a similar amount of time, at 25 minutes, and caused many fans to become frustrated with FIFA as they initially failed to confirm the exact length of the World Cup final's half-time show.
Whether a half-time show will become a regular fixture at World Cup and Club World Cup finals is yet to be announced, but soccer purists will surely want to put a stop to that possibility.
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Published 21:15 09 Feb 2018 GMT
The FIFA World Cup final is fast approaching, with Spain waiting to find out who their final opponents will be after dismantling France in their semi-final.
Mbappe and co were outplayed by a disciplined Spanish side on Tuesday night (July 14), falling 2-0 to the European champions in Dallas.
England will face off against Argentina in the other semi-final this evening, to determine who will have a shot at soccer's biggest prize.
But while fans of the beautiful game will be looking forward to the pinnacle of the sport on Sunday, FIFA has announced that the viewing experience will last longer than usual.
For the first time in World Cup history, there will be a half-time show during the final, which will also mean that the second-half restart will be delayed.
It has been suggested that the World Cup final half-time show could last anywhere up to 30 minutes, breaking the International Football Association Board's (IFAB) rules.
They state that half-time must "not exceed 15 minutes," and while World Cup officials believe the break will only last 20 minutes, British broadcasters BBC and ITV are expecting a half-hour stoppage.
Last year's FIFA Club World Cup final, which also took place in the US, also featured a half-time show headlined by Coldplay, J Balvin and Doja Cat, and that lasted 24 minutes.
But for soccer's biggest game, the production is meant to last just 11 minutes in a Super-Bowl type performance, to be headlined by the likes of Madonna, Shakira and BTS.
Justin Bieber was also announced as a co-headliner of the show, while Burna Boy is also set to perform alongside Venezuelan conductor Gustavo Dudamel, the PS 22 Chorus, and Coldplay.
In a statement from FIFA, they claimed that "football, music and social impact" will be coming together in a celebration at MetLife Stadium.
The governing body said that this performance will help support its Global Citizen Education Fund, with the aim of raising $100 million.
They also aim to "expand access to quality education and football opportunities for children worldwide."
FIFA even claimed that $1 from every World Cup match ticket sold is going towards "social projects around the world."
This isn't the first time that FIFA has set a precedent at this tournament, having overturned Team USA striker Florin Balogun's red card suspension, allowing him to play against Belgium in the round-of-16.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino spoke about the half-time show, saying: "When it comes to what the world needs, there is nothing more important than education.
"We are proud to have Justin Bieber joining Madonna, Shakira and BTS to co-headline the Fifa World Cup 2026 final half-time show in support of the Fifa Global Citizen Education Fund and our mission to expand access to quality education and football opportunities for children around the world.
"As the world unites for the most significant football match in history on Sunday, July 19 at the New York New Jersey Stadium, this groundbreaking spectacle, curated by Chris Martin of Coldplay, will celebrate football, music and our shared values, ensuring a legacy that transcends the final whistle."
It's fair to say that soccer fans are not the biggest fans of the decision, with many taking to social media to air out their grievances.
One said on X: "They should never get the World Cup again," as another asked: "Pre-match show, first half hydration break, half-time show, second half hydration break and closing show. Any football going to be played?"
A third wrote: "Half time is 15 minutes. Any longer should be booed for every second."
"FIFA ruining the great game once again. Gianni Infantino needs to be fired asap," a different user claimed.
Many also worried that the extended break could negatively affect the players' rest and recovery, but time will tell if this will be the case.
FIFA has unveiled a star-studded lineup for the first-ever World Cup final halftime show.
Justin Bieber has been confirmed as a co-headliner for the musical performance, which will take place during the final on July 19 at New York-New Jersey Stadium.
"The FIFA World Cup brings the world together in a way nothing else can. I'm grateful to be part of this Half-time Show, and even more grateful knowing it's already helping expand access to education for children around the world," the 32-year-old said.
The 'Baby' singer will share the stage with Madonna, K-pop superstars BTS, and Colombian icon Shakira, whose song 'Dai Dai' serves as the tournament's official anthem and has been played before every match.
Also set to appear are Burna Boy, acclaimed Venezuelan conductor Gustavo Dudamel, PS 22 Chorus featuring Coldplay, The Muppets, and characters from Sesame Street.
The 11-minute performance has been curated by Coldplay frontman Chris Martin.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino said the performance will support the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund while showcasing football's ability to bring people together.
"When it comes to what the world needs, there is nothing more important than education," he said.
"We are proud to have Justin Bieber joining Madonna, Shakira, and BTS to co-headline the FIFA World Cup 2026 Final Halftime Show in support of the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund and our mission to expand access to quality education and football opportunities for children around the world," he added.
"Burna Boy, Gustavo Dudamel, and PS 22 Chorus ft. Coldplay will also join and play a key role in conveying a powerful message of unity and hope to billions of people worldwide."
"As the world unites for the most significant football match in history on Sunday, 19 July 2026 at the New York New Jersey Stadium, this groundbreaking spectacle, curated by Chris Martin of Coldplay, will celebrate football, music, and our shared values, ensuring a legacy that transcends the final whistle," he added.
The announcement comes as the expanded 2026 World Cup enters its decisive stages.
The tournament began with 48 teams competing across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, although all three host nations have since been eliminated.
Just eight teams remain, with the quarterfinals continuing this week.
France will face Morocco in Boston on Thursday, while Spain takes on Belgium in Los Angeles on Friday.
Norway will meet England in Miami on Saturday, before defending champions Argentina face Switzerland in Kansas City later the same day.
Argentina captain Lionel Messi currently leads the race for the Golden Boot with eight goals after breaking several tournament records during the competition.
France's Kylian Mbappé and Norway's Erling Haaland are close behind on seven goals each, while England striker Harry Kane has scored six.
Published 13:26 12 Jun 2026 GMT
Fox’s World Cup coverage in the United States has faced backlash, with viewers branding it “embarrassing” after missing parts of Mexico’s dramatic match against South Africa.
The opening game of the 2026 World Cup in Mexico City drew global attention and was quite the enthralling affair, including two goals, three red cards, and a high-profile opening ceremony performance by Shakira.
However, some fans watching in the US did not see all of the action due to broadcast interruptions.
As part of the flagship tournament, FIFA introduced three-minute hydration breaks during each half because of the intense heat across host countries, particularly in the US and Mexico.
Back in December, FIFA confirmed there would be “no weather or temperature condition in place, with the breaks being called by the referee in all games”.
While broadcasters are permitted to air adverts during these pauses, Fox has been accused of not following FIFA’s guidance.
According to The Athletic, sources close to the governing body said networks should avoid starting commercials within 20 seconds of the referee signaling a break. They also advised that coverage should return at least 30 seconds before play resumes, a rule Fox is believed to have failed to comply with.
The issue became clear shortly after Raul Jimenez scored in the 67th minute. Commentator Ian Darke told viewers: “And that leads to the hydration break, powered to you by Powerade.” What followed was around two minutes of adverts, and when the game resumed, an Adidas commercial was still airing.
The broadcast only returned to the match several seconds after play had already restarted.
Viewers quickly voiced their frustration online. One person wrote: “Fox Sports was playing so many commercials during the hydration break that the game restarted before they were done.”
Another said: “Commercial breaks mid-match during the hydration breaks are going to ruin this World Cup for Americans. Disgusting practice from Fox,” while a third simply called the coverage “embarrassing”.
Published 16:23 18 Feb 2024 GMT
Following the electrifying Super Bowl halftime performance in Las Vegas on Sunday, headlined by Usher, fans were left wondering why Justin Bieber, a former record label mate, didn't grace the stage alongside the R&B icon.
Despite Bieber's non-participation, Usher delivered a show-stopping performance, featuring an array of special guests including Alicia Keys, Ludacris, Jermaine Dupri, and Lil Jon. Reflecting on the halftime spectacle, Usher highlighted the immense pressure associated with such high-profile events like the Super Bowl.
"It’s a lot of pressure for the Super Bowl, obviously, for me to put together a show. So I reached out to everybody. Justin wasn't the only person that I actually spoke to about doing the Super Bowl. But the moment was maybe for later," Usher explained to The Breakfast Club.
While speculations circulated, Usher himself addressed Bieber's absence, shedding light on the situation during his interview on The Breakfast Club.
Acknowledging the curiosity surrounding Bieber's non-appearance, Usher shared insights into their conversation regarding the Super Bowl performance.
"You know, I honored and recognized that my brother, Justin Bieber, you know, I think that it might’ve been the fact that he’s just wanting to tell a different story right now, and I understand that," Usher candidly explained.
While Bieber's absence raised eyebrows, Usher emphasized that there was no rift between them, stating, "But we did have a brief conversation. And we’re going to do something else in the future. But no love lost or anything like that."
Addressing Bieber's potential future involvement in Super Bowl festivities, Usher reassured fans, stating, "He’s going to play the Super Bowl… in the future." Expressing his unwavering support for Bieber, Usher conveyed his belief in Bieber's deserving career trajectory.
While Bieber's absence may have raised questions, his supportive message on social media demonstrated solidarity with Usher. Despite not gracing the stage, Bieber's presence at the game showcased his unwavering support for his colleague and friend.
As for other potential collaborators approached for the halftime show, Usher remained tight-lipped, teasing future surprises without divulging further details. With Usher's assurance of Bieber's future involvement, fans eagerly await what promises to be a remarkable performance on a grand stage.
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