Half-time in the World Cup final between Spain and Argentina is set to be the longest in the tournament’s history.
This is due to an 11-minute Super Bowl-style show, co-headlined by Madonna, Shakira, Justin Bieber and K-pop boy band BTS, which will take place during the interval at New York New Jersey Stadium.
Due to the time to set-up for the entertainment – and then take it all down before the second half – half-time could last more than 25 minutes.
Although Fifa has been briefing that it will be about 20 minutes long, it is understood that timeframe could stretch due to the number of variables involved.
There is the possibility the players may have to complete some kind of warm-up if the break is at the longer end of the estimate.
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”.
Half-time of last year’s Club World Cup final, also organised by Fifa and held in New Jersey, lasted a total of 24 minutes because of a performance featuring Coldplay, J Balvin, Doja Cat, Tems and Emmanuel Kelly.
Before the World Cup final there will also be a closing ceremony at 13:30 local time (18:30 BST).
Jennifer Hudson will sing the United States’ national anthem, while Tom Cruise, Laura Pausini, Nicole Scherzinger, Robbie Williams and IShowSpeed are also set to perform.
The World Cup final itself will kick-off at 15:00 local time (20:00 BST).
