Sport4 min(s) read
Published 09:23 15 Jul 2026 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.
