ITV confirms full World Cup final half-time show coverage as interval length raises Fifa rule concerns

ITV has confirmed it will air the World Cup final’s half-time show in its entirety, alongside match analysis, as the broadcaster sets out its coverage plans for Sunday’s showpiece at New York New Jersey Stadium.

The interval performance — the first of its kind at a men’s World Cup final — will feature Madonna, Shakira, BTS, Burna Boy and Justin Bieber, and has been curated by Coldplay frontman Chris Martin. Venezuelan conductor Gustavo Dudamel, the PS 22 Chorus, and characters from Sesame Street and The Muppets are also set to appear.

The announcement has not been without controversy. Reports suggest the show could run for up to 25 minutes, well beyond the standard 15-minute interval, raising questions about whether it would breach Fifa’s own regulations. Concerns were also raised that the entertainment segment might displace the traditional punditry analysis that viewers expect at half-time.

The show is being staged in support of the Fifa Global Citizen Education Fund, an initiative aiming to raise 100 million US dollars (£75 million) to expand access to education and football for children worldwide. Fifa president Gianni Infantino described the performance as a “groundbreaking spectacle” that will “celebrate football, music and our shared values, ensuring a legacy that transcends the final whistle”.

Separately, a closing ceremony scheduled 90 minutes before kick-off will feature Hollywood actor Tom Cruise, Robbie Williams, Jennifer Hudson — who will perform the US national anthem — Nicole Scherzinger, Italian singer-songwriter Laura Pausini and streamer IShowSpeed.

The BBC is expected to announce its own broadcast plans for Sunday in due course.

On the pitch, Spain are already confirmed finalists and will face the winner of Wednesday’s semi-final between England and Argentina in Atlanta, where a place in the World Cup final is at stake.