Live · World Cup

Halftime Countdown

Halftime is on — be back on screen just in time for the second half. Every World Cup match on a break today.

Loading matches…

How long is halftime in football?

The halftime break in a football (soccer) match lasts at most 15 minutes. This page shows when the second half starts in every World Cup match today.

Frequently asked questions

How long is halftime in football?
Under the Laws of the Game, the halftime interval lasts at most 15 minutes. The exact length is controlled by the referee and may be slightly shorter in practice.
When does the second half start?
The second half starts when the 15-minute halftime break ends. This page shows when the second half is due to begin for every match on a break.
Why is halftime 15 minutes long?
Fifteen minutes lets players rest, rehydrate and receive tactical instructions from the coach, while keeping the overall match length predictable for broadcasters and fans.
Which matches are shown here?
All of today's World Cup matches, with the ones currently on a halftime break highlighted at the top. Kick-off times are shown in your local time zone.