FIFA is facing heavy criticism after reportedly bending a long-standing football rule for the World Cup final, where a controversial halftime show is expected to feature Justin Bieber, Madonna, Shakira, and several other major names.
Sunday’s final (July 19) is due to mark the first World Cup halftime show staged by FIFA, immediately drawing comparisons with the entertainment format long associated with the Super Bowl.
Spain secured their spot in the final on July 14 after beating France 2-0 in Arlington, Texas. Their opponents will be decided when England meet Argentina in the second semi-final on July 15 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia.
Attention has now turned away from the football itself and toward the scheduled interval, with reports suggesting players will have to deal with a much longer break than normal.
Under the Laws of the Game, halftime is capped at 15 minutes. However, the interval for the final is expected to be extended beyond the usual break to accommodate the show, which FIFA has said will last about 11 minutes.
The reported lineup includes Justin Bieber, Madonna, Shakira, BTS, Burna Boy, Gustavo Dudamel and the PS22 Chorus featuring Coldplay.
FIFA has said the performance is being staged in support of the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund, which is aimed at raising $100 million for children’s education and football opportunities worldwide.
The plan has triggered a strong reaction from football supporters, many of whom believe the change undermines the sport’s traditions.
“They should never get the World Cup again,” one user said.
As another added: “What are these lot turning football into? They don’t care about the integrity of the game, it’s all commercial now.”
A third wrote: “All of the Americans defending ‘hydration’ breaks and saying it’s nothing to do with money or advertising will undoubtedly try and justify this.”
“This is exactly what happens when FIFA starts treating the World Cup like the Super Bowl,” a fourth said.
“A 30-minute half-time break for a concert is ridiculous. The final should be about football, not another show designed to make more money.”
This is not the first time a longer halftime interval has been discussed. In 2021, the International FA Board (Ifab) rejected similar proposals, warning that extending the break could have a “negative impact on player welfare and safety resulting from a longer period of inactivity”.