FIFA World Cup Final will make history on Sunday with the first-ever half-time show at a FIFA World Cup final. The event is expected to extend the break to around 30 minutes, even though football rules normally allow a maximum half-time of only 15 minutes.
The final will take place at New York-New Jersey Stadium. Fans will watch an 11-minute Super Bowl-style performance during the interval. Broadcasters are also expected to include match analysis, making the overall break much longer than usual.
According to IFAB Law 7, half-time should not last more than 15 minutes. However, FIFA already tested a longer break during the FIFA Club World Cup final last year. That match had a half-time interval of about 24 minutes because of a similar entertainment show.
The FIFA World Cup Final show will feature global stars including Madonna, Justin Bieber, Shakira, BTS, Burna Boy, Gustavo Dudamel, the PS22 Chorus and Coldplay. Coldplay frontman Chris Martin helped create the performance, which combines football, music and charity.
Before kick-off, a closing ceremony will begin 90 minutes earlier. Robbie Williams, Tom Cruise and Nicole Scherzinger are among the celebrities expected to appear.
FIFA said the event will support the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund. The initiative aims to raise $100 million to improve education and football opportunities for children worldwide. FIFA has also promised to donate one dollar from every World Cup match ticket sold to social projects.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino described the event as a groundbreaking celebration. He also confirmed that US President Donald Trump will join him in presenting the World Cup trophy after the match. The FIFA World Cup Final is expected to deliver both football and entertainment on a historic stage.
