FIFA assured Spain and Argentina that the World Cup half-time show would run for 17 minutes.
Brazil World Cup winners Ronaldo and Ronaldinho made a surprise appearance during Madonna’s opening song.
The extended show exceeded the 15-minute maximum permitted for a half-time interval under the International FA Board’s Laws of the Game.
Justin Bieber slowed the tempo with his performance before Shakira and K-pop group BTS lifted the energy later in the show.
In last year’s Club World Cup final at MetLife Stadium, the half-time show lasted 24 minutes following multiple musical acts.
In 2021, South America’s football governing body proposed extending maximum half-time length to 25 minutes, but the request was rejected over concerns about player welfare and safety.
At the 2024 Copa America final between Argentina and Colombia, the half-time show ran for roughly 25 minutes.
Colombia head coach Nestor Lorenzo warned beforehand that a longer interval could harm player performance. He noted that extended time in the dressing room may cause players to cool down and lose fitness needed at elite level.
