Extended Half-Time Planned for World Cup Final
The World Cup final at New York New Jersey Stadium is expected to feature an extended half-time interval, potentially lasting between 20 and 25 minutes. This extended break is intended to accommodate a Super Bowl-style performance, which is planned to be 11 minutes long. While sources suggest the break will be around 20 minutes, one option being considered involves the standard 15-minute half-time followed by the planned show.
The International Football Association Board (Ifab), which governs the laws of the game, stipulates that players are entitled to a half-time break not exceeding 15 minutes. Extending this break is considered highly unusual, posing a unique challenge for players and coaches unaccustomed to such a prolonged interval.
Entertainment Line-Up and Previous Extended Breaks
The half-time show is set to include a range of performers, with Coldplay‘s Chris Martin having curated the line-up. Artists scheduled to perform include Madonna, Shakira, K-pop boy band BTS, Justin Bieber, Burna Boy, Venezuelan conductor Gustavo Dudamel, and the PS22 Chorus. Additionally, characters from Sesame Street and The Muppets are also expected to be part of the performance. The show is being produced by Global Citizen, and sources from the organisation have indicated that the artists are not receiving a fee for their participation. FIFA has stated that its Global Citizen Education Fund aims to raise $100 million to support access to education and football opportunities for children globally.
This will mark the first time FIFA has incorporated 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 final featured a performance by artists including 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 is that the performance will take place on the pitch, necessitating the erection and dismantling of a stage before and after the show.
Extended intervals have been seen in other major football tournaments. In the Copa America final two years ago, organised by the South American body Conmebol, Shakira performed during half-time at Hard Rock Stadium. During that event, Argentina and Colombia waited approximately 26 minutes before the second half commenced. The Super Bowl, known for its half-time shows, regularly sees NFL players off the field for 20 to 30 minutes, though regular season NFL games have a strict 13-minute interval.
Final Preparations and Kick-off Details
The World Cup final is scheduled to kick off at 15:00 local time, which corresponds to 20:00 BST. Prior to the match, a closing ceremony will begin at 13:30 local time (18:30 BST). Performers for the closing ceremony are set to include Tom Cruise, Laura Pausini, Nicole Scherzinger, Robbie Williams, and IShowSpeed, with Jennifer Hudson slated to sing the United States‘ national anthem.
Spain secured their place in the final after defeating France 2-0 in the first semi-final, which took place in Dallas on Tuesday. They will face the winner of the second semi-final between England and Argentina, scheduled to be played in Atlanta on Wednesday at 20:00 BST.
Source: bbc.co.uk