FIFA has confirmed it will introduce a Super Bowl-style halftime show at the 2026 World Cup final. This marks the first time in the tournament’s 96-year history that the halftime interval will feature a major musical performance.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino announced the decision during a talk at the Semafor World Economy Summit in Washington D.C. on April 15. “We will have, for the first time in history, a halftime show at the World Cup final on July 19 in New York New Jersey,” Infantino said.
The show will be curated by Chris Martin, frontman of the British rock band Coldplay, alongside the band’s manager Phil Harvey. Moreover, Global Citizen, the international advocacy organization focused on ending extreme poverty, will produce the event as part of a four-year agreement with FIFA.
Infantino revealed that multiple artists will perform. “I cannot yet tell you which artists will be performing, but it’s not one, it’s more than one. It will be the biggest show on Earth, fantastic,” he said.
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The 2026 final will be played at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The stadium will be temporarily renamed New York New Jersey Stadium for the tournament. Kickoff is scheduled for July 19. Meanwhile, traditional World Cup halftimes last 15 minutes; however, reports suggest the performance could extend to approximately 20-25 minutes. This will require an extended break.
Beyond the show
Beyond the halftime show, FIFA is planning a “takeover” of New York’s Times Square for the final weekend. There will be additional performances and celebrations. The United States, Canada, and Mexico are co-hosting the 2026 tournament. Also, it will be the first edition to feature 48 teams.
The decision follows a trial run at the Club World Cup final in 2025. During that event, Coldplay performed alongside J Balvin, Doja Cat, Tems, and Emmanuel Kelly in a preview of what FIFA envisions for the World Cup stage. Until now, World Cup finals have featured only pre-match performances. For example, Robbie Williams performed at the 2018 final in Moscow. Similarly, Ozuna and Gims performed at the 2022 final in Lusail.
