World Cup final half-time to last up to 25 minutes

The half-time break in Sunday's World Cup final is expected to last between 20 and 25 minutes, according to sources within FIFA. The extended interval will accommodate an 11-minute Super Bowl-style show co-headlined by Madonna, Shakira, and K-pop boy band BTS at New York New Jersey Stadium.

While FIFA sources suggest the break will be around 20 minutes, it is understood that one option under consideration is to have the normal 15-minute half-time break followed by the planned 11-minute show. The laws of the game, governed by IFAB (the International Football Association Board), state that players are entitled to a half-time break "not exceeding 15 minutes." However, last year's Club World Cup final, also organized by FIFA and held in New Jersey, featured a 24-minute half-time due to a performance by Coldplay, J Balvin, Doja Cat, Tems, and Emmanuel Kelly.

Performance Lineup and Ceremony Details

Justin Bieber was added to the bill last week for Sunday's performance, which also includes Burna Boy, Gustavo Dudamel, and the PS22 Chorus featuring Coldplay. Singer Chris Martin has curated the show. The World Cup final will kick off at 15:00 local time (20:00 BST), preceded by a closing ceremony starting at 13:30 local time (18:30 BST). Tom Cruise, Laura Pausini, Nicole Scherzinger, Robbie Williams, and IShowSpeed are set to perform during the ceremony, with Jennifer Hudson singing the United States' national anthem.

Final Match and Broadcast Information

Spain secured their place in the final by defeating France 2-0 in the first semi-final in Dallas on Tuesday. They will face either England or Argentina, who meet in Atlanta on Wednesday (20:00 BST). The World Cup final will be held on 19 July at 20:00 BST, with live coverage on BBC One and BBC iPlayer (UHD available), plus build-up and full match commentary on BBC Radio 5 Live and BBC Sounds. Fans can also follow TV and radio coverage, live text updates, in-play video clips, post-match highlights, and analysis on the BBC Sport website and app.