FIFA has clarified one of the most discussed issues ahead of the highly anticipated World Cup final between Spain and Argentina, which will be played this Sunday at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.
The international football body has announced that the break between the two halves will not last more than 17 minutes, dismissing rumors that the spectacle of the first half could delay the restart of the match for more than 30 minutes.
Of this time, about 11 minutes will be dedicated to musical performances by guest artists, while the remaining part, about 6 minutes, will be used for setting up and taking down the stage, as well as for field maintenance.
It was recently reported that the large number of artists involved in the final ceremony could lead to a record-breaking break, but FIFA has confirmed that it will be just two minutes longer than the standard 15-minute break in a football match.
One of the issues that has received particular attention is the condition of the grass at the MetLife Stadium. Spain's technical staff have expressed concerns about the pitch, as in previous matches the pitch has been considered drier than usual, affecting the pace of play.
For this reason, the organizers have planned to irrigate the field during the break, with the aim of creating optimal conditions for both teams.
Meanwhile, FIFA will not change the hydration break rule. Due to the high temperatures during the tournament, players will still be entitled to two hydration breaks, one in each half of the match.
The Spain-Argentina final is expected to be one of the most watched matches of the World Cup, not only because of the sporting rivalry, but also because of the great spectacle planned off the field.
