Extended Half-Time for World Cup Final
The upcoming World Cup final at New York New Jersey Stadium is anticipated to feature an extended half-time interval, potentially lasting between 20 and 25 minutes. This extended break is planned to accommodate an 11-minute Super Bowl-style performance. While sources within Fifa suggest the break will be approximately 20 minutes, one option being considered involves the standard 15-minute half-time followed by the scheduled 11-minute show.
The laws of the game, as stipulated by Ifab (the International Football Association Board), typically limit the half-time break to a maximum of 15 minutes. However, extensions are possible with the referee’s permission. This deviation from the usual 15-minute interval presents a unique challenge for players and coaches, who are generally unaccustomed to such a prolonged break.
The final match is scheduled to kick off at 15:00 local time (20:00 BST). Prior to the match, a closing ceremony is set to commence at 13:30 local time (18:30 BST).
Entertainment Line-Up and Previous Precedents
The half-time show for the World Cup final is curated by Coldplay’s Chris Martin and boasts a diverse line-up of performers. Headlining acts include Madonna, Shakira, and K-pop boy band BTS. Justin Bieber was recently added to the bill, which also features Burna Boy, Venezuelan conductor Gustavo Dudamel, and the PS22 Chorus. Additionally, characters from Sesame Street and The Muppets are expected to participate in the performance.
This will mark the first occasion that Fifa has incorporated a half-time show into a World Cup final. However, a similar event occurred during last summer’s Club World Cup final, also organised by Fifa and held at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. That event featured performances by Coldplay, J Balvin, Doja Cat, Tems, and Emmanuel Kelly, resulting in a half-time break that lasted a total of 24 minutes.
A key difference for the upcoming World Cup final’s show is its planned location on the pitch, necessitating the erection and subsequent dismantling of a stage before and after the performance. In contrast, the Club World Cup final’s performance took place on a stage positioned high in the stands.
Another precedent for extended intervals occurred two years ago during the Copa America final, organised by the South American body Conmebol. Shakira performed during half-time at Hard Rock Stadium, leading to a break of approximately 26 minutes before the second half commenced. The Super Bowl, renowned for its half-time shows, regularly sees NFL players off the field for between 20 and 30 minutes, although regular season NFL game intervals are strictly 13 minutes.
Closing Ceremony Performers and Educational Initiative
The closing ceremony, preceding the final match, will feature a number of notable artists. Performers scheduled to appear include Tom Cruise, Laura Pausini, Nicole Scherzinger, Robbie Williams, and IShowSpeed. Jennifer Hudson is set to sing the United States’ national anthem as part of the ceremony.
The half-time show for Sunday’s World Cup final is being produced by Global Citizen. Sources from the organisation have indicated that the participating artists are not receiving a fee for their performances. Instead, Fifa’s Global Citizen Education Fund is working to raise $100 million, aiming to expand access to quality education and football opportunities for children globally.
In terms of the competition itself, Spain secured their place in the final by defeating France 2-0 in the first semi-final, which took place in Dallas on Tuesday. They are set to face the winner of the second semi-final between England and Argentina, scheduled for Wednesday at 20:00 BST in Atlanta.
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Source: bbc.co.uk