FIFA to break rules at World Cup final with controversial halftime show

FIFA have been slammed after breaking a 'soccer law' for the controversial World Cup final halftime show, which is set to be co-headlined by Justin Bieber, Madonna, Shakira, and more.

This Sunday (July 19) will be the first time FIFA has held a half-time show at the World Cup, a move that has prompted comparisons to the Super Bowl's iconic entertainment spectacle.

Spain booked their place in the World Cup final last night (July 14) with a 2-0 victory over France in Arlington, Texas. They will face either England or Argentina, who go head-to-head in the second semi-final tonight (July 15) at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia.

But players in the final can expect an extended halftime break, as FIFA have breached the maximum time of 15 minutes, which are permitted under the Laws of the Game.

It's reported that the break will instead be around 30 minutes long to accommodate performances from Justin Bieber, Madonna, Shakira, K-pop boy band BTS, Burna Boy, Gustavo Dudamel and the PS22 Chorus featuring Coldplay.

And soccer fans have had a lot to say about the rule being broken.

One team are set to take home the coveted trophy this Sunday (July 19). (Dursun Aydemir/Anadolu via Getty Images)

"They should never get the World Cup again," one user said.

As another added: "What are these lot turning football into? They don't care about the integrity of the game, it's all commercial now."

A third wrote: "All of the Americans defending 'hydration' breaks and saying it's nothing to do with money or advertising will undoubtedly try and justify this."

"This is exactly what happens when FIFA starts treating the World Cup like the Super Bowl," a fourth said.

"A 30-minute half-time break for a concert is ridiculous. The final should be about football, not another show designed to make more money."

Justin Bieber will co-headline the historic first World Cup final halftime show. (Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for Coachella)

But others defended the rule break, as one argued: "I don't see this being controversial at all, no way people will act crazy about this saying the USA is ruining the world cup."

Previous efforts to extend the halftime break have been rejected by the International FA Board (Ifab), after claiming in 2021 that it could have a 'negative impact on player welfare and safety resulting from a longer period of inactivity'.

But it's not the only star-studded line-up that fans can expect to see this weekend.

There will also be a closing ceremony show starting 90 minutes before the Sunday kick-off, involving Robbie Williams, Tom Cruise and Nicole Scherzinger.