TV rights holders frustrated by final half-time show uncertainty

By the Editorial Team · Wednesday, June 10, 2026

Fifa has not yet confirmed the length of the extended half-time show at next month’s World Cup final, featuring Madonna, Shakira, BTS, and a production curated by Chris Martin, causing frustration among broadcasters. This uncertainty complicates scheduling and advertising plans, as the halftime, potentially lasting up to 30 minutes, conflicts with official regulations limiting breaks to 15 minutes without referee approval.

World Cup television rights holders are expressing growing frustration over the lack of clarity from Fifa regarding the duration of the half-time show at next month’s final, set to take place at MetLife Stadium. The event’s half-time is expected to feature performances by Madonna, Shakira, and the K-pop group BTS, with Coldplay’s Chris Martin curating the musical production. This will mark the first half-time spectacle of its kind at a World Cup final.

While rights holders have sought firm details from Fifa to structure their broadcast schedules and advertising commitments, requests for confirmation on the length of the break have reportedly gone unanswered. This has created challenges for commercial broadcasters, who rely on precisely timed advertising slots. One source involved with broadcast rights indicated that the musical performance itself was anticipated to last between 12 and 15 minutes—similar to the length of the Super Bowl half-time shows—but additional time would be needed for stage assembly and dismantling. As a result, there are concerns the total half-time interval could extend to 25 or 30 minutes.

However, the laws of the game, governed by the International Football Association Board (IFAB), stipulate that the half-time break should not exceed 15 minutes, and any deviation requires the referee’s permission. Fifa has neither confirmed nor denied potential extensions, describing the situation as fluid amid evolving entertainment plans.

Fifa has notably expanded pre-match entertainment offerings for this tournament, a move largely attributed to the expectations of the American audience. Opening ceremonies will be featured at the initial games in each of the host nations. Tonight in Mexico City, the match between Mexico and South Africa at Azteca Stadium will include performances by Shakira, Burna Boy, Alejandro Fernández, Belinda, Danny Ocean, J Balvin, Lila Downs, Los Ángeles Azules, Maná, and Tyla.

Following that, in Toronto, Alanis Morissette and Michael Bublé are scheduled to perform before Canada’s match against Bosnia and Herzegovina tomorrow. Later the same day in Los Angeles, a lineup including Katy Perry, Lisa, Nigerian Afrobeats artist Rema, Brazilian pop singer Anitta, and hip-hop artist Future will entertain fans ahead of the USA’s match with Paraguay.

The expanded entertainment programming underscores Fifa's strategy to blend football with major musical acts to enhance viewer engagement, particularly given the World Cup’s return to North America. However, until Fifa provides definitive details on the half-time interval, broadcasters face ongoing logistical uncertainties related to programming and advertising.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.