World Cup final half‑time to become longest in tournament history

The 2026 FIFA World Cup final between Argentina and Spain will feature an extended half‑time break that could last up to 25 minutes, making it the longest in the tournament’s history. FIFA has scheduled an 11‑minute Super Bowl‑style show headlined by Madonna, Shakira, Justin Bieber and K‑pop group BTS, with additional performances by Jennifer Hudson, Tom Cruise, Robbie Williams and others. The expanded interval exceeds the International Football Association Board’s 15‑minute limit, raising questions about player warm‑up and rule compliance. The half‑time spectacle is part of a larger closing ceremony that supports the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund.