The 2026 FIFA World Cup final between Spain and Argentina is about to depart from the tradition of football matches, with the half-time expected to be longer than usual to achieve the spectacle of the Super Bowl. The move, which requires FIFA to request a special dispensation from the International Football Association Board (IFAB), has sparked controversy among players, coaches and fans, especially among purists who see the extended time as disrupting the flow and speed of the game.Although the exact time has not been officially confirmed, estimates show that the time could exceed 20 minutes and could be closer to 25 minutes, with estimates putting the total disruption close to 30 minutes when all are combined.
Why FIFA says it needs an exception
Under the IFAB Laws of the Game, half time “must not exceed 15 minutes” unless the competition rules provide otherwise. Although FIFA is organizing the World Cup, it cannot change the rules of the Games, which are administered by the International Football Association Board (IFAB). As a result, FIFA reportedly required one exception to extend the final halftime show of the Super Bowl.According to MARCA, FIFA has prepared a detailed schedule for the rest period, which defines the length of time needed to play the game.
The half-time schedule explained
MARCA says that this long term is structured around three phases:
- Stage preparation (about 5 minutes): After the first half, the main team will enter the stadium to make temporary repairs without damaging the playing field.
- Mid show (about 13-15 minutes): A great work will take place, with great production and music, lighting and visuals.
- To remove and restore the wax (about 5 minutes): The steps and equipment will be demolished within a few minutes, and the pitch will be restored to its original state and left the same as it was before, ensuring that there is no impact on the second half.
This tightly coupled system is designed to keep the entire disruption within a 25 to 30 minute window.The move follows last year’s FIFA Club World Cup final in New Jersey, where the half was extended to almost 24 minutes due to the match play, an event seen as a final rehearsal for the 2026 World Cup, especially since it was also held in the United States.
Star-studded entertainment
The finalists are expected to have their first FIFA World Cup appearance in this half term.According to the organizers, the project will be led by Coldplay leader Chris Martin and is expected to feature international stars including Shakira, Justin Bieber, BTS, Madonna and Burna Boy. Gustavo Dudamel and the PS22 Chorus, who perform with Coldplay, are also expected to be involved in the production.The fun continues at halftime. FIFA has confirmed that Post Malone will headline the closing ceremony, which is also set to feature performances from Robbie Williams, Laura Pausini, Nicole Scherzinger and internet personality IShowSpeed. Grammy Award-winning singer Jennifer Hudson is expected to perform the US national anthem before kickoff.
Argument over the merits of the players
The said addition has sparked a discussion about how it will affect the game.The IFAB has previously warned that extending the period could affect the players’ health by increasing the time off before the second half, which could raise the risk of muscle injuries once the game resumes.The problem has also attracted attention because IFAB rejected a request from CONMEBOL in 2021 to extend half time to 25 minutes, citing the same health concerns. Critics have pointed to the old idea as they question whether FIFA’s latest plans represent a departure from previous positions.Regardless of the final time, Sunday’s meeting between Spain and Argentina will be the first World Cup final to feature a regular Super Bowl show, marking another major change in soccer’s biggest event as FIFA continues to combine elite competition with big entertainment.