The 2026 FIFA World Cup unfolded on July 29 2026, but something unusual shattered a 94-minute limit. Soccer is called the sport that never ends, but in the 2026 World Cup it’s now implemented two mandatory three minute water breaks and allowed the final to have a half-time show. And now To accommodate the half-time show, FIFA is extending half-time to thirty minutes. Unexpectedly this was the longest World Cup final ever (when counting halftime, mandatory stoppage breaks, and stoppage time).

The show is in partnership with FIFA and the nonprofit, “The Global Citizen,” as well as the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund. The fund supports education and soccer programs for children in communities for ten countries. FIFA will help the effort by donating one dollar from every ticket sold throughout the thirty nine day tournament. The show’s star-studded cast includes Madonna, Shakira, IShowSpeed, and BTS. The show will also feature characters from The Muppets and Sesame Street.

As great as the show seems, there are some skeptics. One of the reason is because having such a break breaks the pace. an break the pace of the game. That’s why FIFA is allowing teams some time to warm up right after the break.