Will ITV and BBC show World Cup final half-time show as FIFA break rules for 30-minute “spectacle”

The 2026 World Cup final is set to make history with the tournament's first-ever Super Bowl-style half-time show.

But will UK viewers actually get to watch it on ITV and BBC if England reach Sunday's final?

Are ITV and BBC going to show the 2026 World Cup half-time show?

ITV has confirmed it will broadcast the World Cup final half-time show in full, alongside its usual match analysis during Sunday's showpiece at New York New Jersey Stadium.

The performance, the first of its kind at a FIFA World Cup final, will feature a host of global stars including Madonna, Justin Bieber, Shakira, BTS and Burna Boy.

The BBC has yet to formally announce its plans, although it is expected to reveal its broadcast schedule closer to kick-off.

Initially, both broadcasters had been expected to skip the concert altogether, instead dedicating the traditional 15-minute interval to pundit analysis and highlights.

However, with the half-time show now expected to last between 25 and 30 minutes, there is enough time for broadcasters to show the entertainment while still providing their usual analysis.

The extended break has also attracted attention because it exceeds the 15-minute half-time limit set out in the Laws of the Game by IFAB, football's law-making body.

IFAB has previously rejected proposals to extend the interval beyond 15 minutes, citing concerns over player welfare and the impact of prolonged inactivity.

FIFA nevertheless staged a longer break during the 2025 Club World Cup final and now appears set to do the same on football's biggest stage.

Meanwhile, FIFA president Gianni Infantino has described the new addition as a “groundbreaking spectacle” that will “celebrate football, music and our shared values, ensuring a legacy that transcends the final whistle”.

FGG says: Will fans at home in England actually want to watch it?

For casual viewers, the combination of football and a star-studded concert could make the World Cup final an even bigger television event.

However, many traditional supporters may feel the extended half-time interval is unnecessary, particularly given FIFA appears willing to override IFAB's long-standing 15-minute rule.

If England were to reach the final, plenty of fans would probably prefer broadcasters to devote more of that extra time to tactical analysis and discussion of the match rather than entertainment, especially during what would be the biggest game in the nation's footballing history.

For a full breakdown of odds, expert predictions, and strategies during the tournament, don't forget to check out our detailed World Cup betting guide.