The half-time interval for the upcoming World Cup final is anticipated to extend beyond the standard duration, potentially lasting between 20 and 25 minutes. This extended break is planned to accommodate a Super Bowl-style entertainment show featuring a range of musical artists.
Sources within World Cup organisers suggest the half-time will be approximately 20 minutes. However, another option under consideration involves the usual 15-minute half-time break followed by an 11-minute performance. The laws of the game, as set by the International Football Association Board (Ifab), specify that players are entitled to a half-time break not exceeding 15 minutes.
Entertainment during the interval
An 11-minute show is scheduled to take place during the interval at the New York New Jersey Stadium. This performance is set to be co-headlined by Madonna, Shakira, and K-pop boy band BTS. Justin Bieber was recently added to the lineup for the performance, which also includes artists such as Burna Boy, Gustavo Dudamel, and the PS22 Chorus. Coldplay’s Chris Martin has curated the show.
This marks the first time FIFA has organised a half-time show at the World Cup. However, a similar event occurred during last year’s Club World Cup final, also organised by FIFA and held in New Jersey. That interval lasted a total of 24 minutes, featuring performances from artists including Coldplay, J Balvin, Doja Cat, Tems, and Emmanuel Kelly. The performance at the Club World Cup final took place on a stage positioned high in the stands.
A key distinction for the upcoming World Cup final’s half-time show is that the performance will be staged directly on the pitch. This arrangement will necessitate the erection and subsequent dismantling of a stage before and after the musical acts. In contrast, the Copa America final two years ago, organised by the South American body Conmebol, saw Shakira perform during half-time at Hard Rock Stadium, with teams waiting approximately 26 minutes before the second half commenced.
The Super Bowl, known for its half-time entertainment, typically sees NFL players off the field for between 20 and 30 minutes. During the regular NFL season, the interval is a strict 13 minutes.
Final preparations and related events
The World Cup final is scheduled to kick off at 15:00 local time (20:00 BST). Prior to the match, a closing ceremony will commence at 13:30 local time (18:30 BST). This ceremony is expected to feature performances from individuals such as Tom Cruise, Laura Pausini, Nicole Scherzinger, Robbie Williams, and IShowSpeed. Jennifer Hudson is slated 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 this organisation have indicated that the performing artists are not receiving a fee for their participation. FIFA has stated that its Global Citizen Education Fund aims to raise $100 million to expand access to quality education and football opportunities for children globally.
Spain secured their spot in the final by defeating France 2-0 in the first semi-final, which took place in Dallas on Tuesday. They will face the winner of the match between England and Argentina, who are scheduled to play in Atlanta on Wednesday (20:00 BST).
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Source: bbc.co.uk
Freya Donnelly is the Sports Reporter at News-UK, covering tennis, cricket and athletics with seven years of reporting experience. She reported on Team GB through an Olympic cycle. She holds a degree in Sport and Media from the University of Brighton and completed an NCTJ diploma. Based in Brighton, she plays club cricket in the summer. “Listening is the most underrated skill in sports reporting.”
