A HISTORIC CHANGE AS FIFA EXPANDS ENTERTAINMENT ELEMENTS FOR THE MOST-WATCHED SPORTING EVENT IN THE WORLD
FIFA confirmed that the 2026 World Cup Final halftime show will last 30 minutes, introducing a Super Bowl–style entertainment segment for the first time in tournament history.
FIFA has announced a significant format change for the 2026 World Cup Final, confirming that the halftime interval will be extended to 30 minutes to accommodate a large-scale entertainment performance similar to the Super Bowl halftime show. The decision marks the first time in FIFA’s history that the World Cup Final will feature a fully produced mid-game entertainment spectacle.
Officials said the expanded halftime aims to merge global football culture with high-profile musical and artistic performances, taking advantage of the tournament’s joint hosting across the United States, Mexico and Canada — three countries known for major entertainment industries.
The move comes as FIFA continues pushing toward a more commercial and entertainment-driven strategy for global tournaments. The organization has previously experimented with opening-ceremony enhancements, but extending halftime for the Final represents the boldest shift yet.
Reactions from fans have been mixed. Supporters say the change reflects the evolving nature of global sports entertainment, while critics argue that the World Cup’s football tradition may be overshadowed by commercial elements. Analysts note that FIFA’s North American setting makes the Super Bowl-style approach unsurprising.
The halftime show lineup has not yet been announced, but industry insiders expect top-tier international artists, large-scale visual effects, and multimedia stage production. The event is projected to draw hundreds of millions of viewers worldwide.
FIFA will release additional details on performers, stage design and broadcast integration in the coming months.
