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Kai Pfaffenbach/Imagn Images

The 2026 World Cup final brings the biggest World Cup tournament to a close, and FIFA is pulling out all the stops to make it a special moment.

For the first time, FIFA has introduced a World Cup final halftime show that will take place during the break between the first and second halves. This is a break away from tradition, as FIFA has not previously used a halftime show in any of its previous tournaments.

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Many of the world's biggest stars will be participating in the show at MetLife Stadium. However, the show also comes with controversy from purists who prefer the final stick to a traditional halftime break.

Here's why the halftime show is so controversial.

2026 WORLD CUP HQ: Latest World Cup news | Full World Cup schedule | Updated World Cup bracket

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Why is there a halftime show in the World Cup final?

For the first time ever, FIFA is introducing a halftime show during the World Cup final that features some of the world's biggest stars. The organization claims that the show will help support "unity" across the world and raise money for those in need.

"The FIFA World Cup 2026 Topps Final Halftime Show will support the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund, an initiative aiming to raise USD 100 million to expand access to quality education and football opportunities for children worldwide," FIFA said on its website.

Additionally, FIFA is hoping to interest casual fans who may not be as interested in the game but are fans of any of the several halftime show performers.

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World Cup halftime show details

The World Cup final halftime show is set to feature six popular artists from six different countries to represent FIFA's global nature. Here's who is headlining the show:

  • Madonna
  • Shakira
  • Burna Boy
  • BTS
  • Justin Bieber
  • Gustavo Dudamel

The show is expected to last 11 minutes total, with each artist getting a few minutes to perform. They also will likely perform songs together, especially as the show comes to a close.

MORE: Why FIFA chose BTS, Justin Bieber, Madonna and Shakira to perform

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How will the World Cup halftime show work?

The World Cup final halftime show will be similar to the Super Bowl halftime show in that it will essentially be a concert condensed into a short period of time. Each artist will have a chance to perform, and the crowded group will work together to make sure the show is seamless throughout.

After the show ends, MetLife Stadium workers will take down the stage and get the field ready to play again, aiming to be as efficient as possible.

Has there ever been a World Cup halftime show?

There has never been a halftime show during the World Cup final. Soccer is a sport that typically includes as few breaks as possible, with the halftime being a necessary break to allow players a chance to rest midway through the match.

However, FIFA has strayed away from making halftime a bigger spectacle until it gave in to adding a show this year. The first World Cup stayed away from a halftime show for 96 years and 23 iterations of the tournament.

MORE WORLD CUP NEWS:

Why World Cup halftime show is so controversial

As this is the first halftime show during the World Cup final, it comes with controversy. Typically, a soccer match is pretty rigid with its times, which includes a 15-minute break at halftime, but the halftime show means the halftime break will be longer.

As a result, players participating in the match will be forced to change their routine between the two halves. The longer break means players could need to warm up for the second half again in a way they typically wouldn't with a standard break.

How long is the World Cup halftime show?

FIFA is aiming for the halftime show to last about 11 minutes and take up much of the break time. For comparison, a Super Bowl halftime show usually lasts around 13 minutes, so FIFA's show will be a few minutes shorter.

🚨 𝗢𝗙𝗙𝗜𝗖𝗜𝗔𝗟: The World Cup half-time break will last... 17 MINUTES!

👉 11 minutes for the show featuring Shakira, Madonna, Justin Bieber and BTS.

👉 6 minutes for setting up and dismantling the stage, as well as watering the pitch. pic.twitter.com/R2RtUG9ENF— Transfer News Live (@DeadlineDayLive) July 18, 2026

FIFA is hoping the entire halftime break doesn't last longer than 17 minutes, which would be just a few minutes longer than a standard halftime.

Daniel Chavkin

Daniel Chavkin is a Digital Content Producer for The Sporting News. A 2018 graduate from the University of Maryland, he has previously written for Sports Illustrated, NBC Sports and NFLTradeRumors.com.

Source: Sporting News