Burna Boy, Madonna show sparks FIFA controversy at World Cup final

FIFA failed to keep its promise to Spain and Argentina over the length of the half-time show during the 2026 FIFA World Cup final.

Before the match, FIFA assured both teams that the half-time break would last 17 minutes, just two minutes longer than the usual 15-minute interval.

The organisation said six minutes would be used to set up and remove the stage, while the entertainment segment would last only 11 minutes.

However, the break lasted much longer than expected. From the half-time whistle to the start of the second half, players remained in the dressing room for 27 minutes and 24 seconds.

The final, played at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, featured a star-studded half-time show inspired by the Super Bowl. Performers included Madonna, Justin Bieber, Shakira, Burna Boy and South Korean music group BTS.

Brazil football legends Ronaldo and Ronaldinho also appeared on stage during Madonna’s opening performance.

The extended break has raised concerns because it exceeded the 15-minute maximum half-time period allowed under the International Football Association Board (IFAB) Laws of the Game.

According to Opta statistics, the half-time show lasted almost as long as the actual playing time in the first half.

This is not the first time FIFA has faced criticism over long half-time entertainment.

During the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup final at the same stadium, the half-time show lasted 24 minutes and featured performances by Coldplay, J Balvin, Doja Cat, Tems and Emmanuel Kelly.

Football authorities have previously rejected proposals to extend half-time breaks because of concerns about player welfare and fitness.

In 2021, South American football body CONMEBOL suggested increasing half-time to 25 minutes, but IFAB turned down the proposal, citing the negative effects of long periods of inactivity on players.

A similar issue occurred during the 2024 Copa America final between Argentina and Colombia, where a half-time concert stretched the break to around 25 minutes.

Before that match, Colombia coach Nestor Lorenzo warned that a lengthy break could affect players physically.

He said football rules provide for a 15-minute half-time interval and argued that longer breaks could cause players to cool down too much, making it harder for them to maintain their performance levels.

The controversy is likely to reignite debate over the growing use of entertainment shows during major football finals and their impact on the game.