The World Cup final between Spain and Argentina is set to make history with the longest half-time in the tournament's history, thanks to an 11-minute Super Bowl-style show featuring a star-studded lineup.
Madonna, Shakira, Justin Bieber, and K-pop boy band BTS will co-headline the entertainment spectacle at the New York New Jersey Stadium, which will take place during the interval. However, the time required to set up and take down the stage will likely push the half-time break beyond 20 minutes, with some estimates suggesting it could last more than 25 minutes.
Although Fifa has briefed that the half-time break will be around 20 minutes long, the actual duration may vary due to the number of variables involved. The laws of the game, governed by the International Football Association Board (Ifab), state that players are entitled to a half-time break "not exceeding 15 minutes." However, recent precedents suggest that this rule may be relaxed for high-profile events.
Last year's Club World Cup final, also organized by Fifa and held in New Jersey, saw a half-time break that lasted 24 minutes due to a performance featuring Coldplay, J Balvin, Doja Cat, Tems, and Emmanuel Kelly. If the World Cup final's half-time break exceeds 25 minutes, there is a possibility that players may need to complete a warm-up before the second half.
Photo: bbc.co.uk
The World Cup final will be preceded by a closing ceremony at 13:30 local time (18:30 BST), featuring performances by Jennifer Hudson, Tom Cruise, Laura Pausini, Nicole Scherzinger, Robbie Williams, and IShowSpeed. Hudson will sing the United States' national anthem as part of the ceremony.
The World Cup final itself will kick off at 15:00 local time (20:00 BST). Fans can watch the match live on BBC One and BBC iPlayer, with UHD coverage available. Build-up and full match commentary will be available on BBC Radio 5 Live and BBC Sounds, while live text updates, in-play video clips, post-match highlights, and analysis will be available on the BBC Sport website and app.
As the World Cup final approaches, attention turns to the players who will take to the field. The match promises to be an exciting conclusion to the tournament, with two of the world's top teams vying for the championship title. With the half-time show set to be a major spectacle, fans will be eager to see how the players respond to the extended break.
Source: BBC Sports