Fifa World Cup halftime show plans are set to redefine the traditional matchday format as FIFA prepares an extended break during the final at New York New Jersey Stadium.
A Super Bowl-style entertainment model is being introduced by organisers, which will include a high-profile 11-minute segment that will feature world music legends Madonna, Shakira and BTS. It’s an exciting new development for the world’s greatest sport, combining the sport and the big performance in one, to enrich the experience of the world’s fans.
This entire half-time period will likely be anywhere from 20-25 minutes, much longer than the usual half-time structure. It is said that FIFA are considering various forms, such as the traditional 15-minute sporting interval would be followed by a set 15-minute performance window. There are, however, regulatory issues to consider.
The half time break is a maximum of 15 minutes under the Laws of the Game under the control of IFAB. If extended, it would need to be approved and/or emergency changes to the competition rules and therefore may be a path of flexibility at the top.
At a strategic level, it’s a sign of the entertainment-driven revenue structure of football gaining traction. The inclusion of international artists is designed to attract a wider audience that extends beyond the traditional football fan base, especially in major markets such as North America and Asia.
But players’ reactions to the impact on the game are still a constant. Long periods of rest can impact on match rhythm, physical readiness and tactical reconfiguration, which may have a direct impact on a final match.
