For the first time ever, the World Cup final will feature a half-time show, with Justin Bieber, Shakira, Madonna, BTS, Burna Boy, Chris Martin of Coldplay, and characters from Sesame Street and The Muppets performing in an 11-minute set.
As per Martyn Ziegler of The Times, the total duration of the half-time period is expected to be around 30 minutes, 15 minutes longer than the Laws of the Game permit. The referee must approve the reason behind the half-time period lasting longer than 15 minutes.
The Athletic reports that FIFA is aiming to limit the half-time period to just 20 minutes, though the world governing body has not announced a time span yet.
British broadcasters BBC and ITV have already planned for a 30-minute interval, allowing them to broadcast the full 11-minute half-time show and a 15-minute analysis, according to The Telegraph.
Last summer's FIFA Club World Cup final also featured a half-time show featuring Tems, J. Balvin, and Doja Cat. The half-time period of the final between Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain lasted a total of 24 minutes.
National anthem and closing show
In addition to the half-time show, FIFA announced that the United States of America's national anthem will be performed before kick-off at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey by singer and actress Jennifer Hudson.
The final will be preceded by a closing show, FIFA announced on Tuesday. American actor Tom Cruise will join Italian singer-songwriter Laura Pausini, American singer and actress Nicole Scherzinger, English singer-songwriter Robbie Williams, and YouTube creator IShowSpeed in the show that will start 90 minutes before the final.
"Echoing the spirit of the opening ceremonies, which welcomed the world to the greatest stage in Canada, Mexico and the United States, the closing ceremony will bring the FIFA World Cup 2026 full circle through music, culture and football, before we kick off the highly anticipated match that will crown the champions of this groundbreaking tournament," Heimo Schirgi, COO of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, said in a press release.
The FIFA World Cup final will kick off at 21.00 CEST (15.00 ET local time) on Sunday, July 19th.
FIFA World Cup 2026
The 2026 World Cup is taking place from June 11th to July 19th in the United States, Canada and Mexico. The tournament features 48 national teams and is played at 16 modern stadiums.
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