Only four days remain until the most anticipated FIFA World Cup Final on the planet kicks off at New York New Jersey Stadium in the United States. The championship match will see ѕραιи—who defeated fяαи¢є 2-0 on July 15—face the winner of the semifinal between єиgℓαи∂ and Argentina, which will be played on July 16.

Public attention is focused on the event not only because it is the world's biggest sporting spectacle or because fans are eager to find out which team will lift the prestigious trophy, but also because it will mark the first time in World Cup history that a Half-time Show will be held. Throughout the tournament's nearly 96-year history, there has never been a halftime performance comparable to the NFL Super Bowl. However, FIFA is changing that for the first time in 2026—and BTS has become the first K-pop group ever selected to perform on this historic stage.

But even that is no longer the biggest surprise. According to the latest reports from British media, FIFA is reportedly prepared to create yet another unprecedented exception solely to accommodate the halftime performance featuring BTS and a lineup of global superstars.

On July 16 (KST), British media reported, "FIFA could break its existing regulations to stage a 30-minute halftime show during the World Cup Final." According to the report, British broadcasters including BBC and ITV have already begun preparing for a scenario in which halftime of the World Cup Final is extended to as long as 30 minutes.

The reason behind the proposed change is the large-scale performance featuring BTS, Madonna, and Shakira. The lineup has also recently expanded to include Justin Bieber, Burna Boy, Gustavo Dudamel, and the PS22 Chorus, who will perform alongside Coldplay. Together, they are expected to deliver an 11-minute Super Bowl-style halftime show during the World Cup Final. Combined with the broadcasters' usual 15-minute halftime analysis, the total break could stretch to approximately 30 minutes.

FIFA's objective is clear: to transform the World Cup Final into a mαѕѕive entertainment spectacle similar to the NFL Super Bowl Halftime Show. At the same time, the halftime performance also carries an important social mission by promoting FIFA's Global Citizen Education Fund. The fund was established to expand access to education and sports for underprivileged children around the world. The initiative aims to raise US$100 million and has already generated more than US$30 million through World Cup ticket sales. All proceeds from the halftime show will also be donated to the fund.

However, the football community does not appear to share FIFA's enthusiasm for the plan. In 2021, the International Football Association Board (IFAB)—the body responsible for the Laws of the Game—flatly rejected a proposal from CONMEBOL to extend halftime to a maximum of 25 minutes, arguing that such a lengthy break could negatively affect players' health and safety. Football fans have also expressed concerns that an extended halftime would disrupt the intensity and momentum of the World Cup Final.

Even so, there is already precedent. During the 2024 Copa América Final, CONMEBOL extended halftime to 25 minutes specifically to accommodate Shakira's performance.

Meanwhile, reports that FIFA is preparing to extend halftime at the World Cup Final to around 30 minutes for the first time in the tournament's history in order to stage a performance by BTS and a lineup of global superstars have become one of the hottest topics of discussion across social media:

- The half time perfomances are good for the show but bad for the game, and the World Cup was always about the game...but they're in USA sooooo show it is

- I would love 30 minutes but this is literally bad for the football players bc it would cool them down. For soмєтнing the break is 15 minutes. They should just do the performances at the beginning or end of the match rather than a half time show but that’s just my opinion

- I knew it. There was no way they could set up the stage for an 11-minute performance in just a 15-minute halftime break. They'd be better off having BTS perform during the opening ceremony alongside another artist, then bringing out someone else for the halftime show.

- Why everyone bulsh’tting the idea!!? I thought the artists are performing for free to encourage donations for kids around world who can’t afford education and sports. I personally like the idea, I looove football but humanity comes first and expanding the time won’t hurt anyone

- 30 minutes? And only 11 minutes of the show and we will see bts for only 2 minutes mind you ugh. Everyone will hate it, football fans and bts fans 

- bts as one of the co headliners for the world cup final halftime show is absolutely legendary

- This isn't exactly a fun situation, guys. As an ARMY, I’m happy to see BTS appear, but since this is a sports event, extending the halftime break is going to annoy football fans

- Im an army, so i will support bangtan for this. But tbh im scared of bangtan getting hate, but hopefully not