The break in the World Cup finals may last 30 minutes.

The International Football Federation (FIFA) expects that the break in the final match of the 2026 World Cup at MetLife Stadium in New York will last more than the traditional 15 minutes. This was reported on July 14 by The Athletic newspaper, citing sources.

FIFA stated that the performance would last 11 minutes, and described it as "a landmark event at the intersection of sports, music and global influence," the material says.

The list of participants includes Justin Bieber, Shakira, BTS, Madonna, Burna Boy, Venezuelan conductor Gustavo Dudamel and PS22 choir. Sesame Street and The Muppet Show characters will also be involved in the performance. It is reported that the artists will not receive a fee for their performances.

According to The Athletic, the extension of the break will create unusual conditions for players and coaches who are not used to long pauses in the middle of a match. A special feature of the finale will be the placement of the stage directly on the football field, which will require time for its installation and dismantling.

This distinguishes the upcoming event from the final of the club World Cup between Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain, which also took place at MetLife Stadium last summer. At that time, the stage was located high in the stands, and the pause lasted for more than 24 minutes.

Singer Justin Bieber will perform during the halftime of the FIFA World Cup finals

FIFA President Gianni Infantino said on June 24 that the three–minute breaks during the 2026 FIFA World Cup matches were introduced not for the purpose of additional earnings, but for sporting reasons. He added that the rest time, which is introduced by the tournament regulations for the 22nd and 67th minutes of the match, is necessary for teams that have been playing in hot conditions for 39 days.