American viewers of the World Cup final will notice similarities between international football, known globally as football, and the American version. This year, FIFA is introducing a halftime show, inspired by the Super Bowl.
The excitement surrounding the World Cup’s halftime show doesn’t quite match the enthusiasm for the Super Bowl performances, such as those by Bad Bunny. FIFA’s decision to include a halftime show has stirred debate about changing the sport’s essence, along with hydration breaks first mandated this year.
“Interrupts and changes the identity of a football match much more than I thought,” said England coach Thomas Tuchel.
Although ‘cooling breaks’ were utilized in the 2014 World Cup in Brazil to combat the heat, hydration breaks became mandatory this year. These three-minute pauses split matches into quarters. Critics, including Uruguay’s coach Marcelo Bielsa, argue it cancels the traditional essence of football.
“Playing four periods instead of two alters the culturally constructed conception of how to interpret football,” Marcelo Bielsa stated.
Some coaches, like Mauricio Pochettino of the U.S., adapted to these breaks, using them strategically. During a pre-tournament friendly, he adjusted tactics on a laptop in Charlotte.
U.S. player Sergiño Dest remarked on the benefits:
“It’s nice to have a hydration break. It’s a chance to settle and talk with teammates.”
The halftime will be notably longer. Reuters reports the break could extend to 25 minutes to accommodate performances by Justin Bieber, Madonna, Shakira, and BTS. FIFA’s international rules dictate halftime should be no longer than 15 minutes.
Colombia coach Nestor Lorenzo expressed concerns over similar issues during the Copa America final:
“The halftime should be 15 minutes because those are the rules. Concerts mean a longer break, which could affect players’ fitness.”
In addition to these changes, FIFA announced that winning players will receive championship rings for the first time, complementing the World Cup trophy and gold medals. This initiative brings yet another American sports tradition into global football.