ITV and BBC to screen half-time show in full

By the Editorial Team · Thursday, July 16, 2026

ITV and BBC will air the full half-time show at the World Cup final, featuring performances by Madonna, Justin Bieber, Shakira, BTS, and curated by Coldplay’s Chris Martin, despite uncertainties about the interval's extended length. The unusually long half-time, which may exceed FIFA's typical 15-minute limit, reflects efforts to blend football with major musical entertainment and cater to American audiences.

ITV and BBC have confirmed plans to broadcast the entire half-time show during the World Cup final at the New York New Jersey Stadium on Sunday, despite uncertainty over the segment’s duration. The show, curated by Coldplay’s Chris Martin, features performances by Madonna, Justin Bieber, Shakira, and the K-pop group BTS, with the interval estimated to last between 25 and 30 minutes.

Broadcasters have expressed concerns about the length of the half-time event, which will involve setting up and dismantling a stage on the pitch, potentially extending the break beyond the typical duration. Last year’s Club World Cup final at the same venue included a 24-minute half-time interval, but that event took place in the stands rather than on the field. The projected performance time is approximately 11 minutes, but additional logistics are expected to lengthen the overall pause.

According to the International Football Association Board (IFAB), the laws of the game permit a half-time interval not exceeding 15 minutes unless adjusted with the referee’s consent. FIFA’s expanded half-time show appears to contravene this guideline, though it has reportedly not encountered resistance from IFAB officials.

This year’s World Cup has seen a marked increase in pre-match entertainment, reflecting particular efforts to cater to American audiences. Earlier matches in the tournament have featured extended musical opening ceremonies, including performances by Shakira and Burna Boy before Mexico’s game against South Africa in Mexico City, Alanis Morissette and Michael Bublé prior to Canada’s match with Bosnia and Herzegovina in Toronto, and Katy Perry leading the show ahead of the USA’s opening fixture against Paraguay.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino has described the half-time show as a “groundbreaking spectacle” aimed at celebrating the intersection of football, music, and shared values, intending to create a legacy that goes beyond the game itself.

In addition to the half-time event, FIFA plans a closing ceremony 90 minutes before the kick-off, featuring performances by Robbie Williams and Jennifer Hudson.

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