FIFA's World Cup halftime performances are shaping up to be one of the boldest changes in the tournament's history. For decades, the World Cup final has belonged entirely to football, with no mid-game concerts or elaborate entertainment breaks. That changes in 2026 when FIFA introduces its first-ever Super Bowl-style halftime show during the final at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.
The announcement immediately sparked a major question among football fans: how long will the performances actually last? FIFA appears to understand the concern. Organizers insist the music spectacle will not disrupt the rhythm of the match.
FIFA reveals expected length of World Cup halftime show performances
Unlike the NFL's Super Bowl, where halftime can stretch well beyond 30 minutes, FIFA says it plans to keep the World Cup final interval much shorter. Hugh Evans, CEO of Global Citizen, revealed organizers are aiming to stay "significantly shorter than the 15-minute mark," the traditional halftime length in football. "Soccer fans around the world can be rest assured knowing that we're very respectful of the game," Evans told The Associated Press. So, it will be just a 15-minute halftime with a global audience waiting for the second half to begin.
That balancing act is important because football supporters have long resisted anything that feels too commercial during matches. FIFA president Gianni Infantino framed the show as something larger than entertainment, linking it directly to the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund, which aims to raise $100 million for children's education and football access worldwide.
"When you have a position of responsibility, you want to do everything you can to have a real impact," Infantino said. "Not everyone can become a world champion, but everyone can become a little bit better by having the right education."
The show itself will be directed by Hamish Hamilton, the creative force behind multiple Super Bowl halftime productions and the London 2012 Olympic opening ceremony.
Who headlines FIFA's World Cup halftime show?
The lineup reflects FIFA's attempt to turn the final into a truly worldwide entertainment event. Madonna brings decades of stadium experience and global pop influence. Shakira's connection to football already runs deep after "Waka Waka (This Time for Africa)" became the soundtrack of the 2010 World Cup.
"Standing alongside Madonna and BTS, I'll be performing 'Dai Dai,' the song I created for this World Cup and for the kids around the world we will reach with the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund," Shakira said.
Meanwhile, BTS adds one of the world's largest fanbases to the event. The group described music as "the universal language of hope and harmony" while confirming its involvement.
Does FIFA's World Cup halftime show resemble NFL's Super Bowl?
In some ways, yes. The concept, celebrity scale, and production style clearly borrow from the Super Bowl formula. Coldplay frontman Chris Martin even helped shape the idea after watching the previous World Cup four years ago. Still, FIFA is trying to preserve football's identity rather than fully imitate the NFL. The performance is expected to remain shorter, more compact, and closely tied to the matchday atmosphere instead of overshadowing it.
