For the musical show, FIFA intends to break the 15-minute rule between the two halves of the World Cup final.

FIFA intends to extend the half-time break in the 2026 World Cup final scheduled to be held at MetLife Stadium in the American state of New Jersey to about 20 minutes, in order to organize the first singing show during the World Cup final.

According to The Athletic newspaper, FIFA plans to extend the break to no more than 20 minutes, so that the artistic performance will last approximately 11 minutes, noting that the event is a “historic celebration that combines sports, music and global influence.”

It is noteworthy that the rules of the International Football Association Board (IFAB) stipulate that the break between the two halves should not exceed 15 minutes, and it cannot be changed except “with the approval of the referee,” according to the newspaper.

It is also unusual to extend the break in football matches, as this is expected to create a different challenge for players and coaches who are not accustomed to waiting a longer period before the start of the second half.

The same stadium previously hosted a show during the Club World Cup final between Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain, which lasted more than 24 minutes, but it was held in the stands and not on the field.