How long is halftime in professional soccer?

Under official IFAB Law 7, halftime in professional soccer lasts exactly 15 minutes across all major competitions, including the Premier League, UEFA Champions League, La Liga, MLS, and the FIFA World Cup.

Does added stoppage time shorten the 15-minute soccer halftime?

No. The 15-minute halftime countdown only begins when the referee blows the whistle to conclude the first half, regardless of whether 1 minute or 8 minutes of stoppage time were played.

How long is the break before extra time in soccer?

When a knockout soccer match ends in a draw at full time, players receive a 5-minute break before the start of extra time. Between the two 15-minute halves of extra time, there is only a brief 1-minute drinks interval.

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Soccer Timing Rules

How Long is Halftime in Soccer? Premier League, Champions League & FIFA Rules

Official breakdown of the 15-minute soccer intermission under IFAB Law 7, stoppage time effects, and extra-time intervals.

Quick Answer: An official soccer halftime lasts exactly 15 minutes across all major domestic and international competitions governed by FIFA and IFAB, including the Premier League, UEFA Champions League, and World Cup. The 15 minutes start when the referee blows the whistle to end the first half.

IFAB Laws of the Game (Law 7.2)

According to the official International Football Association Board (IFAB) Laws of the Game (Law 7: The Duration of the Match, Section 2):

"Players are entitled to an interval at half-time, not exceeding 15 minutes; a short drinks break (which should not exceed one minute) is permitted at the half-time interval of extra time. Competition rules must state the duration of the half-time interval and it may be altered only with the referee’s permission."

How Stoppage Time Affects Halftime

In soccer, the match clock does not stop when the ball goes out of play or during injuries. Instead, the referee adds "stoppage time" (injury time) to the end of the 45-minute first half:

A typical first half runs 45 minutes plus 1 to 4 minutes of stoppage time (~47–49 minutes total).
The 15-minute break begins only after the whistle blows, never at 45:00 on the clock.
If a game kicks off at 3:00 PM and 3 minutes of stoppage time are played, halftime runs from 3:48 PM to 4:03 PM.

Extra Time Intermission Rules

In tournament knockout fixtures (such as the Champions League knockout stage or World Cup):

Full Time to Extra Time: A 5-minute break allows players to receive medical rubdowns and tactical instructions before the 30-minute extra time starts.
Between Extra Time Halves: Players switch ends immediately, with only a 1-minute drinks break allowed.

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