.jpeg)
Football fans could witness a historic change at Sunday’s FIFA World Cup final as the governing body prepares to stage a Super Bowl-style half-time entertainment show that is expected to extend the traditional interval to about 30 minutes.
According to The Telegraph, broadcasters BBC and ITV are already making plans for the longer break, which is expected to include an 11-minute live musical performance alongside the usual 15-minute television analysis by pundits.
The planned schedule would exceed the 15-minute maximum half-time interval permitted under the Laws of the Game. FIFA, however, had previously stretched the interval to about 25 minutes during last year’s FIFA Club World Cup, raising questions about adherence to its own regulations.
The report said FIFA is determined to create a spectacular entertainment experience similar to the National Football League’s Super Bowl half-time show, with Sunday’s final expected to feature the longest interval ever seen at a World Cup final.
There are also reports that the three-minute hydration breaks scheduled during each half have sparked speculation among observers that they could provide additional opportunities for commercial advertising during the match.
The star-studded half-time show at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey is expected to feature performances by Burna Boy, Shakira, Madonna, Justin Bieber, BTS, Gustavo Dudamel, the PS22 Chorus and Coldplay, promising a major entertainment spectacle for fans around the world.
Ahead of kick-off, organisers are also in a colourful closing ceremony about 90 minutes before the match begins at 8 p.m., with Robbie Williams, Tom Cruise and Nicole Scherzinger expected to take part in the pre-match entertainment.
