World Cup Final Will Feature Bieber, Madonna, Shakira and BTS as FIFA Weighs Longer Halftime

Overview

• FIFA has confirmed a split program for the July 19 final at MetLife Stadium with a pre-game closing ceremony that includes Laura Pausini, Nicole Scherzinger, Robbie Williams, IShowSpeed and a Jennifer Hudson performance of the U.S. national anthem.
• The halftime headliners are Justin Bieber, Madonna, Shakira and BTS in a Super Bowl–style show produced by Global Citizen with artistic input from Coldplay’s Chris Martin and collaborators such as Burna Boy, conductor Gustavo Dudamel and the PS22 Chorus.
• Media reports this week differ on the planned length of the halftime set, citing an initial 11 minutes, a possible FIFA proposal for up to 20 minutes and other accounts describing roughly a 30-minute total production.
• IFAB guidance sets a standard 15-minute halftime that can only be changed with the referee’s permission, a technical constraint that could force organisers to shorten the show or secure an official extension before kickoff.
• With the final four teams still contesting places in the title match, FIFA and producers are expected to finalise the precise halftime timing in the days before July 19, and the decision will shape player routines and broadcast schedules.