FIFA Faces Backlash Over World Cup Final Half-Time Plan

According to The Times, FIFA is planning to extend the half-time break in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final to as long as 30 minutes to allow for a Super Bowl-style entertainment show.

The decision has already sparked debate across the football world.

Under IFAB's Laws of the Game, the half-time interval in a football match should not last more than 15 minutes. The law says any change can only happen with the referee's permission.

If the reported plan goes ahead, FIFA would be going beyond the normal limit to make room for music performances and stage setup during the final. Reports say the break could last around 30 minutes.

Many fans believe this is another step towards making football look more like American sports. Others argue that such a long break could affect players by allowing their muscles to cool down before the second half begins. Player welfare was one of the reasons IFAB previously rejected a proposal to officially increase half-time to 25 minutes.

FIFA has not publicly confirmed the exact length of the interval, but broadcasters are preparing for a much longer break than usual.

The World Cup final is football's biggest match. If FIFA moves ahead with this plan, the half-time show could become almost as talked about as the game itself.