ITV and the BBC are planning to screen FIFA's controversial World Cup final half-time show in its entirety on Sunday, despite lingering uncertainty over the length of a spectacle that is expected to last between 25 and 30 minutes.
Both broadcasters, who share UK rights to the tournament, have decided to show the full performance curated by Coldplay's Chris Martin and featuring Madonna, Shakira and K-pop superstars BTS, The Guardian has learned. However, they remain in the dark about the precise duration, forcing them to plan for a significantly extended interval at the New York New Jersey Stadium.
"We are planning for the interval to last between 25 and 30 minutes," a source told The Guardian. "FIFA hasn't confirmed the exact timings yet, but we want to make sure we show everything."
The decision comes after The Guardian revealed last month that broadcasters had raised concerns that an overly long half-time show could disrupt the rhythm of the match and frustrate viewers. A traditional half-time break lasts 15 minutes, meaning the extra entertainment could double the usual pause in play.
The final, which already features Spain after their commanding semi-final victory, will be broadcast live on BBC One and ITV1, with streams on BBC iPlayer and ITVX. The opposing team will be determined tonight when England face Argentina.
FIFA's push for a Super Bowl-style show has been a hallmark of the 2026 tournament, but the expanded format has not been universally popular. Managers have privately voiced concerns about players cooling down during the longer break, while some pundits argue it detracts from the sporting occasion.
"This is a World Cup final, not a concert," one former international told The Guardian last month. "If it's 30 minutes, imagine trying to get players back to peak intensity afterwards."
For UK viewers, the extended break means a rare chance to see the full, star-studded production without interruption, though it may test the patience of those eager for the second half.
FIFA has yet to officially comment on the exact running time, but with the eyes of the world on Sunday's finale, the half-time show is set to be as much a talking point as the football itself.
