FIFA plotting World Cup final half-time show with break to be 'significantly' longer
Half time during the final of this summer's World Cup will be significantly longer than the standard 15 minutes as FIFA plans to use the MetLife Stadium field for a mid-game show.It would be the first time that the tournament will ignore the sport's usual quarter of an hour pause to put on entertainment, but it would be inline with what happens in the Super Bowl, the most watched sporting event in America. The MetLife Stadium, home to NFL franchises the New York Giants and the New York Jets, will be the venue for the final and last year also played host to the Club World Cup final.FIFA put on half-time entertainment featuring musicians Doja Cat, J Balvin and Tems but, rather than use the field, a stage high up in the stands was constructed to avoid any impact on the playing surface. FIFA has informed broadcast partners it intends to announce the line-up of acts for the World Cup final half-time show on May 14 with the Athletic reporting that the pitch could be used for the performance.In last year's Club World Cup final, where Chelsea beat PSG, the half-time break lasted just over 24 minutes, rather than the 15 minutes that is set out in the Laws of the Game. Clarity is being sought before plans are made with coaches, support staff and broadcasters likely needing to change their usual plans. Any half-time show will have an impact on players and their bodies. Coaches may tweak the delivery of their half-time messages.Those involved in sports science will have to plan for sufficient half-time rest, but also ensure players are prepared physically for the second half given the unusually extended break. Broadcasters are waiting to learn the extent of FIFA's plans for this year's final as a longer half-time period to be would alter their programming and schedules.At the Super Bowl, the half-time show usually lasts around 15 minutes, but when you factor in changing and rejigging the state of the pitch it often extends to 25-30 minutes. Coldplay frontman Chris Martin is organising the half-time show in partnership with Global Citizen.That has led to rumours that Coldplay will perform. Shakira last week unveiled her official World Cup and is another name being touted to appear at the final.Want to see more of the stories you love from Dublin Live? Making us your preferred source on Google means you’ll get more of our exclusives, top stories and must-read content straight away. To add Dublin Live as a preferred source, simply click here.Join our Dublin Live breaking news service on WhatsApp. Click this link to receive your daily dose of Dublin Live content.We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.
