Why the World Cup half-time show may be a taste of things to come - BBC News

The 2026 World Cup's spectacle is creating debate about the place of music in sport - and how it could infiltrate other tournaments.

Image source, BBC/ Getty ImagesImage caption, Justin Bieber, Shakira and Madonna will headline the first ever Fifa World Cup half-time show, with BTS and Burna Boy also set to perform

Half-time at a football game is normally a chance to grab a drink or snack, make a mad dash for the toilets or vent with friends about some questionable refereeing or defending.

But at this year's World Cup final between Spain and Argentina, for the first time in the tournament's history, there will be a half-time show - complete with performances from Madonna, Shakira, BTS and Justin Bieber.

It's already caused controversy in the sporting world as the performance means the break will last up to 25 minutes - when the International Football Association Board (Ifab) states players are entitled to a maximum 15-minute stoppage.

The show will take place on Sunday night at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey and has been described by governing body Fifa as a "landmark celebration at the intersection of sport, music and global impact".