FIFA has announced that the half-time break for Sunday’s 2026 World Cup final between Spain and Argentina at MetLife Stadium will be 17 minutes.
This clears up earlier reports that the break would be over 30 minutes due to the entertainment show.
FIFA has told both the Spanish and Argentine football federations that the break will only be two minutes longer than the usual 15-minute half-time.
The extra time allows for a half-time show with Shakira, Madonna, and Justin Bieber, but players will only be off the field for two extra minutes.
Performances will fit into the new schedule
FIFA says the entertainment will last 11 minutes. The other six minutes are for setting up and taking down the stage and for regular pitch maintenance, like watering the field.
This announcement ends earlier rumors that the performances would make the half-time longer than 30 minutes.
Even with the longer half-time, FIFA says the hydration breaks used during the tournament will not change.
These cooling breaks were added to help players deal with the high temperatures in several host cities during the 2026 World Cup and will still be used in the final.
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