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Sports2026 World Cup final to feature historic 11-minute halftime show
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The 2026 FIFA World Cup final between Spain and Argentina in New Jersey will feature a historic half-time show, the first in the competition's history. The interval will be extended to 30 minutes to accommodate the transformation of the pitch into a concert venue. The musical performance itself will last only 11 minutes, produced by Chris Martin to raise awareness for an international education initiative. The star-studded line-up includes Justin Bieber, Madonna, Shakira, BTS, PS 22 Chorus featuring Coldplay, Burna Boy, Gustavo Dudamel, Sesame Street characters, and The Muppets. The match kicks off at 8pm UK time (3pm local), with the half-time show expected to start around 8:45pm. The addition has drawn comparisons to the Super Bowl and sparked debate among fans.
Source report
Sunday evening's World Cup final between Spain and Argentina will be interrupted by a star-studded half-time show.
Ben Pawlowski 18:00, 19 Jul 2026
Spain and Argentina will lock horns in New Jersey on Sunday for the FIFA World Cup final. (Image: Getty Images)
All You Need to Know About the World Cup Final Half-Time Show
- Entertainment overhaul: Sunday's FIFA World Cup final will feature a major half-time concert for the first time in the competition's history. The controversial addition has been compared to the Super Bowl, with many fans questioning whether football needs such a spectacle.
- Longer interval: Players will spend around 30 minutes off the pitch instead of the traditional 15. That extended break goes against football's standard regulations, which limit half-time to a quarter of an hour.
- Complex operation: Tournament organisers require the additional time to transform the pitch into a concert venue before restoring it for the second half. The elaborate set-up and dismantling process is expected to take almost the entire interval.
- Timings: The World Cup final kicks off at 8pm UK time, which is 3pm local time in the US. That means the half-time show should start soon after 8.45pm, depending on the stoppage time in the game.
- Only 11 minutes: The musical performance itself will be relatively short despite the lengthy stoppage. Chris Martin has overseen the production, which has been designed to raise awareness for an international education initiative.
- Big-name performers: A host of global stars are scheduled to take centre stage, including Justin Bieber, Madonna, Shakira and K-pop giants BTS. PS 22 Chorus featuring Coldplay, Burna Boy, Gustavo Dudamel, Sesame Street favourites and The Muppets will also form part of the unusual line-up.
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Justin Bieber to Perform at Historic 2026 World Cup Final Halftime Show