The half-time interval during Sunday's World Cup final is expected to stretch between 20 and 25 minutes, significantly longer than the 15-minute break permitted under the laws of the game.

An 11-minute entertainment show co-headlined by Madonna, Shakira, and K-pop group BTS will take place at New York New Jersey Stadium during the break. The bill also includes Justin Bieber — confirmed last week — alongside Burna Boy, Gustavo Dudamel, and the PS22 Chorus. Singer Chris Martin has curated the show, and Coldplay will also feature.

Sources within FIFA suggest the break will run to approximately 20 minutes, though one option under consideration is the standard 15-minute interval followed by the planned 11-minute performance — which would push the total to 26 minutes.

Ifab rules and precedent

The International Football Association Board (Ifab), which governs the laws of the game, states that players are entitled to a half-time break of no more than 15 minutes. An extended interval would therefore require a formal accommodation from the governing body.

Precedent already exists. Last year's FIFA Club World Cup final, also held in New Jersey, featured a half-time performance by Coldplay, J Balvin, Doja Cat, Tems, and Emmanuel Kelly — pushing the break to a total of 24 minutes.

Closing ceremony and kick-off

Sunday's final kicks off at 15:00 local time (20:00 BST), with a closing ceremony beginning at 13:30 local time (18:30 BST). Tom Cruise, Laura Pausini, Nicole Scherzinger, Robbie Williams, and IShowSpeed are among those scheduled to perform during the ceremony. Jennifer Hudson will sing the United States national anthem.

The finalists

Spain secured their place in the final with a 2-0 victory over France in the first semi-final in Dallas on Tuesday. Their opponents will be determined by the second semi-final between England and Argentina, played in Atlanta on Wednesday (20:00 BST).