FIFA is set to break its own Laws of the Game during Sunday's 2026 FIFA World Cup final after approving a half-time interval of up to 30 minutes to accommodate the tournament's first-ever halftime entertainment show.
Under the Laws of the Game, the half-time break must not exceed 15 minutes. By doubling the interval, football's world governing body will effectively set aside the very regulations it is tasked with enforcing during its flagship tournament.
This will not be the first time FIFA has done so. During the inaugural FIFA Club World Cup final in 2025 between Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain, the half-time break lasted about 25 minutes to allow for a special entertainment performance before the second half resumed.
The 2026 World Cup final is expected to pit Spain against either England or Argentina, with the two nations meeting in the second semi-final to decide the remaining finalist.
Adding to the spectacle, the final will feature the first halftime show in FIFA World Cup history.
The entertainment lineup is expected to include global music stars Madonna, Shakira, BTS and Justin Bieber. The show has been curated by Coldplay frontman Chris Martin and will also feature performances by Burna Boy and the PS22 Chorus.
While FIFA has presented the addition as a landmark move to enhance the tournament's global appeal, the decision has sparked widespread debate among football fans and pundits. Many supporters have criticised the governing body on social media, arguing that extending the break undermines the integrity of the sport's established rules.
Others have questioned whether entertainment should take precedence over regulations that apply to every other football match.
The controversy has shifted some attention away from what promises to be one of the biggest sporting events of the year, with the historic halftime show now sharing the spotlight with the highly anticipated final.
Earlier, we highlighted facts about the FIFA World Cup trophy, a symbol of football excellence valued at about Sh2.5 billion.
Meanwhile, fans around the world remain focused on the England versus Argentina semi-final, one of football's fiercest rivalries, as the winner prepares to face Spain in Sunday's final.