Sport: Soccer Country: Spain Category: Scores & Results

Experts warn extended halftime at World Cup final may increase injury risk

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jul 16, 2026, 2:18 PM

Last updated Jul 16, 2026

Experts warn extended halftime at World Cup final may increase injury risk

Summary

Experts express concerns regarding the extended halftime break expected during the World Cup final between Argentina and Spain at MetLife Stadium on July 16. The break may last 25 to 30 minutes, including an 11-minute halftime show, which could contribute to a higher risk of injury and diminished player performance. Dr. Liam Harper notes that while players may acclimate to longer breaks, a standard 15-minute halftime would better maintain muscle temperature, reducing injury risk. To mitigate the potential impact, Dr. Harper suggests allowing time for a brief re warm-up before the second half.

Source Links

Yahoo Sports

Status Watch

•World Cup final between Argentina and Spain set for July 16.
•Halftime may exceed 30 minutes due to a special show.
•Experts warn about potential injury risks with longer breaks.
•Standard halftime of 15 minutes recommended for optimal performance.
•Dr. Harper suggests a brief re warm-up to combat muscle cooling.

Latest Updates

2:24 PMYahoo Sports — World Cup final extended half-time break could increase player injury risk, expert warns
2:18 PMYahoo Sports — Experts: extended break during World Cup final could pose injury risk

What they're saying

"
The extended half-time break at Sunday’s World Cup final could heighten players’ risk of injury and weaken their performance, a physiology expert has said. The gap between the first half ending and the second half starting between Argentina and Spain is expected to be around 25 to 30 minutes, with FIFA staging a star-studded, 11-minute half-time show during the interval at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.
— Yahoo Sports