The 2026 World Cup final halftime show ran 27 minutes, 23 seconds and raising questions over FIFA and IFAB's 15-minute rule as Shakira, Justin Bieber, Burna Boy, and more hit the international stage

FIFA stretched both tradition and IFAB rules with the star-filled 2026 World Cup Final halftime show. Many people thought it went on too long, no matter how impressive it was.

Mirror US Sports clocked the World Cup halftime break at MetLife Stadium unofficially lasting 27 minutes and 23 seconds, almost twice as long as the usual 15 minutes allowed by IFAB's Laws of the Game. The longer break quickly raised questions about whether FIFA had stuck to the rules.

The show felt more like a Super Bowl or Olympic opening ceremony than a typical halftime. Chris Martin from Coldplay organized the event with Global Citizen. It also aimed to raise $100 million for the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund.

According to IFAB's rules, FIFA cannot change the Laws of the Game on its own. Even though FIFA runs the World Cup, IFAB remains the only governing body for the tournament.

Law 7.2 of the IFAB Laws of the Game states, "Players are entitled to an interval at halftime, not exceeding 15 minutes; a short drinks break (which should not exceed one minute) is permitted at the interval of halftime in extra time. Competition rules must say how long halftime lasts, and any change needs the referee’s permission."

Reports said FIFA officially asked for an exception to extend the halftime show to 30 minutes, so this year's show followed those guidelines.

Madonna headlined the show while performing "Music" and "Bring Your Love." She arrived in an open-top car driven by Brazilian legends Ronaldo and Ronaldinho.

Shakira sang the tournament anthem "Dai Dai" alongside Burna Boy with an appearance from global K-Pop group BTS, while Bieber also performed as a co-headliner.

Gustavo Dudamel conducted a joint orchestra made up of the New York Philharmonic and the Simon Bolivar Symphony Orchestra. The PS22 Chorus from Staten Island also took the stage.

The event included Sesame Street characters and The Muppets. Kermit the Frog and his friends performed The White Stripes' early 2000s hit "Seven Nation Army."

Topps presented the halftime show, marking the first time an event like this took place during a World Cup final. The show drew criticism from Premier League legend Wayne Rooney, who was working with Micah Richards and others during the broadcast.

Rooney said, "I thought it was crap," on BBC Sport after previously admitting to being a fan of Jennifer Hudson before her US National Anthem performance to kick off the match.