World Cup 2026 final halftime show ran 10 minutes over FIFA's promised duration

The halftime show during the 2026 World Cup final between Argentina and Spain stretched to 27 minutes, surpassing the 17 minutes FIFA had initially allocated for the break and the accompanying entertainment. The extended interval provided a platform for a star-studded lineup.

Performers included pop icon Madonna, football legends Ronaldo and Ronaldinho, the South Korean group BTS, actor Jason Sudeikis reprising his role as Ted Lasso, singer Justin Bieber, Colombian artist Shakira, and The Muppets. Chris Martin, the lead singer of Coldplay, joined The Muppets for the closing performance.

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The halftime of the World Cup final between Argentina and Spain lasted 27 minutes, exceeding the time that FIFA had promised before the title decider.

FIFA had communicated prior to the final that the halftime rest would be strictly 17 minutes, during which the planned show would take place. However, the actual duration exceeded this by nine minutes, leading to a longer pause in the championship match.

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The organizing entity of the tournament had informed that the break would only last 17 minutes, and in that time the halftime show would take place.