FIFA's 27‑minute halftime sparks IFAB rule breach in World Cup final

At the MetLife Stadium in New York, the FIFA WK-finale between Spanje and Argentinië saw a halftime that stretched to an unprecedented 27 minutes, far exceeding the International Football Association Board’s 15‑minute limit and prompting criticism of FIFA’s adherence to the rules.

The International Football Association Board (IFAB) stipulates that a halftime interval may not exceed fifteen minutes, and only the referee can authorize any extension. Any breach of this rule is considered a violation of the official Laws of the Game.

During the 27‑minute pause, fans at the MetLife Stadium were treated to a spectacular halftime show. Performances were delivered by Justin Bieber, Madonna and Shakira, while former football stars Ronaldinho and Ronaldo arrived in a car to launch the entertainment.

The extended break forced the players of both sides to wait a full 27 minutes before the second half resumed, directly contravening the IFAB regulation. The rule allows only the referee to grant permission for a longer pause.

This incident marks the second recent occasion where FIFA has overseen a halftime exceeding the prescribed limit. A similar breach occurred in the Club World Cup final between Chelsea and Paris Saint‑Germain, where the interval lasted over 24 minutes due to performances by J Balvin, Doja Cat and Tems.

The live commentary recorded the event at 22:54 today, noting the unusual length of the interval. The WK drew millions of viewers worldwide as the 27‑minute halftime became a talking point.