The FIFA World Cup final is about to get a whole new dimension of excitement! In a groundbreaking announcement, FIFA President Gianni Infantino has confirmed that the 2026 World Cup final will feature the tournament’s first-ever halftime show.
As a football enthusiast and entertainment lover, I’m thrilled to share all the details about this historic addition to the world’s most-watched sporting event.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup, co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, is already set to make history as the first tournament with 48 teams. Now, with the addition of a Super Bowl-style halftime performance, the final match promises to be an unforgettable fusion of world-class sport and entertainment.
Let me break down everything you need to know about this exciting development.
The Historic Announcement
FIFA President Gianni Infantino made the official announcement via Instagram in early March 2025, stating: “I can confirm the first ever halftime show at a FIFA World Cup final in New York New Jersey, in association with Global Citizen. This will be a historic moment for the FIFA World Cup and a show befitting the biggest sporting event in the world.”
This announcement came after Infantino spoke at the FIFA World Cup 26: Commercial & Media Partners Convention in Dallas, where several exciting plans for the tournament were discussed. The halftime show concept is clearly inspired by the Super Bowl’s popular mid-game spectaculars, bringing that American entertainment tradition to global football’s biggest stage.
The decision represents a significant shift in how FIFA approaches the World Cup final experience, moving beyond pure sport to create what Infantino calls “a monumental occasion.”
What Makes This Halftime Show Special
What makes this announcement truly groundbreaking is the fact that never in the World Cup’s nearly 100-year history—from the inaugural tournament in 1930 to now—has there been a halftime performance during the final match. The 2026 edition will break with this long-standing tradition.
The FIFA World Cup final already attracts an astounding global audience. The 2022 final between Argentina and France drew approximately 1.5 billion viewers worldwide. With the addition of a halftime show, FIFA and Global Citizen are targeting an even larger audience of around 2 billion viewers, which would offer “an unprecedented opportunity for the right partners, creating unmatched reach.”
Hugh Evans, founder and CEO of Global Citizen, described the upcoming spectacle as “a world first, a ground-breaking moment where sport, music and culture merge, celebrating football’s unique power to bring us all together.”
Venue and Timing Details
The 2026 World Cup final is scheduled for Sunday, July 19, 2026, at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. During the tournament, the stadium will be officially known as “New York New Jersey Stadium” due to FIFA’s sponsorship policies.
MetLife Stadium, which opened in 2009, has a capacity of 82,500 seats and has previously hosted major events including Super Bowl XLVIII in 2014 and the Copa América Centenario final in 2016. Its proximity to New York City makes it an ideal venue for such a globally significant event.
One key question remains: how long will the halftime show last? Traditional World Cup final halftimes are only 15 minutes long, during which the pitch is typically watered. By comparison, Super Bowl halftime shows generally last up to 30 minutes to accommodate the building and dismantling of stages on the field.
FIFA has not yet confirmed if they will extend the halftime interval for the 2026 final. This detail will be crucial for both the performance logistics and the competitive integrity of the match.
The Creative Team Behind the Show
FIFA has enlisted some serious star power to help curate this historic show. British rock band Coldplay will play a key role in the event’s organization. Specifically, lead singer Chris Martin and the band’s manager, Phil Harvey, will assist FIFA in finalizing the list of artists who will perform during the show.
This isn’t Coldplay’s first experience with halftime shows—the band headlined the Super Bowl halftime show in 2016, bringing in special guests Bruno Mars and Beyoncé. Their expertise in creating memorable performances on a global stage will be valuable for this pioneering World Cup event.
The show will be produced in partnership with Global Citizen, an international advocacy organization that FIFA announced a four-year agreement with in September 2024. This collaboration aims to harness the power of sports and entertainment to create positive social impact, potentially changing millions of children’s lives worldwide.
Potential Performers
Although the official lineup hasn’t been announced yet, there’s no shortage of speculation about who might take the stage for this historic performance.
Several names have emerged as potential headliners. Shakira, who created the enduring 2010 World Cup anthem “Waka Waka (This Time for Africa),” is considered by many to be a perfect choice given her previous connection to the tournament and global appeal.
Other possibilities include music power couples like Beyoncé and Jay-Z, who have dominated the music industry for nearly three decades and would bring immense star power to the event.
There’s also interesting speculation about Drake potentially performing, especially following Kendrick Lamar’s controversial Super Bowl halftime performance that referenced their ongoing feud. The World Cup stage could provide Drake an opportunity to respond on an even bigger platform.
Additional names like Sean Paul, Ciara, and Tyla have been mentioned as great options for a mix of legacy and global artist representation. Whatever the final lineup, FIFA will likely aim for performers with worldwide appeal who can connect with the tournament’s diverse global audience.
The Times Square Takeover
Beyond the halftime show itself, FIFA has announced another exciting element of the 2026 World Cup final weekend: a “Times Square takeover” in New York City.
During the weekend of July 18-19, 2026, Times Square—one of the world’s most iconic locations that attracts over 300,000 daily visitors—will be transformed into a FIFA World Cup hub. The famous intersection will become a focal point for football supporters, families, and friends to create unforgettable memories.
This won’t be just a standard viewing party. According to Infantino, “This is not only a watch party, as it will feature some of the world’s greatest music performers, live on stage, including four live crosses into the global broadcast of the bronze-medal match in Miami and the final itself to be seen by billions of people across the globe.”
The Times Square event will include screens, plazas, hospitality areas, and viewing zones that will collectively create an immersive World Cup experience in the heart of Manhattan. Chris Martin and Phil Harvey will also help curate the list of performers for these Times Square events.
Public Opinion and Reactions
The announcement of a World Cup final halftime show has generated mixed reactions from football fans and commentators worldwide.
A recent poll revealed that 82 percent of American fans approve of FIFA’s decision to introduce a halftime show at the 2026 World Cup final. Many believe the show will enhance the overall viewing experience and attract new audiences to the sport.
However, some football traditionalists have expressed concerns about the potential commercialization of the World Cup and whether it might distract from the sport itself. Critics worry that extending halftime could affect the flow and integrity of the match.
Sports journalist Kaveh Solhekol from Sky Sports reflected this divided opinion, saying: “I’m going to do my best not to come across as a grumpy old man but what I can tell you is that we are going to have halftime shows in World Cup finals starting next year. Now I don’t know if that’s a good thing or a bad thing. I know a lot of traditionalists will say it’s a bad thing.”
Impact on Football Tradition
The introduction of a halftime show represents a significant evolution in how FIFA approaches the World Cup experience.
Traditional football matches, including World Cup finals, have always centered exclusively on the sport itself. The halftime break has traditionally been a time for teams to rest, regroup, and for groundskeepers to maintain the pitch.
This new entertainment element reflects FIFA’s recognition of changing audience expectations and the successful model of the Super Bowl, which has effectively combined sport and entertainment to create a cultural phenomenon that attracts viewers who might not otherwise watch football.
Zonal Sports published an analysis highlighting five arguments both for and against a World Cup halftime show. Supporters believe it will boost the entertainment value and global reach of the event, potentially attracting non-traditional football viewers. The cross-industry collaboration also opens new commercial opportunities and sponsorship revenue for FIFA.
Critics, however, worry about compromising the sporting integrity of football’s most prestigious match and potentially overshadowing the athletic competition itself.
What to Expect as a Viewer
If you’re planning to watch the 2026 World Cup final, here’s what you might expect from this new format:
For television viewers, the broadcast experience will likely include extended halftime coverage featuring the performance along with analysis of the first half and predictions for the second. The global broadcast will reach billions of people across nearly every country on Earth.
For those lucky enough to attend in person, the MetLife Stadium experience will combine world-class football with a spectacular live music performance. FIFA President Infantino has noted that American stadiums “are really built for people to have fun, to enjoy, to spend time. They don’t just go and watch the game and leave, but they stay hours and hours and hours, and I think that’s exactly what we need.”
The halftime show is expected to feature “high-energy performances and collaborations from the world’s biggest artists, curated for an American and for a global audience.” The production will likely incorporate advanced staging, lighting, and sound technology to create a memorable spectacle.
FAQs
1. When and where will the 2026 World Cup final halftime show take place?
The show will take place during halftime of the 2026 FIFA World Cup final on July 19, 2026, at MetLife Stadium (officially “New York New Jersey Stadium” during the tournament) in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
2. Who will perform at the 2026 World Cup halftime show?
The performers haven’t been officially announced yet. Chris Martin and Phil Harvey from Coldplay will help FIFA select the artists who will participate.
3. How long will the halftime show last?
Traditional World Cup halftimes last 15 minutes. FIFA hasn’t confirmed if this will be extended, though Super Bowl halftime shows typically last around 30 minutes.
4. Is this the first halftime show at a World Cup final?
Yes, this will be the first-ever halftime show in World Cup history.
5. Who is organizing the halftime show?
FIFA is organizing the show in partnership with Global Citizen, an international advocacy organization. Coldplay’s Chris Martin and Phil Harvey will help curate the list of performers.
6. Will the halftime show be broadcast worldwide?
Yes, the show will be part of the global broadcast of the 2026 World Cup final, which is expected to reach around 2 billion viewers.
7. What other entertainment events are planned for the World Cup final weekend?
FIFA has announced a “Times Square takeover” in New York City during the finals weekend, featuring live performances and broadcast connections to both the final and the third-place match.
8. How are fans reacting to the announcement of a World Cup halftime show?
Reactions are mixed. A poll showed 82% approval among American fans, but some football traditionalists have expressed concerns about the potential impact on the sport’s traditions.
9. Will the halftime show affect the competitive aspects of the match?
This remains unclear. If halftime is extended beyond the traditional 15 minutes, it could potentially impact player recovery and match rhythm.
10. Who inspired FIFA to add a halftime show to the World Cup final?
The concept is inspired by the Super Bowl halftime shows, which have become cultural events in their own right and attract massive viewership.
Final Thought
The 2026 FIFA World Cup final halftime show represents a bold new direction for football’s premier tournament. By combining the world’s most popular sport with world-class entertainment, FIFA aims to create “the very best celebration ever” that will captivate both dedicated football fans and new audiences alike.
As we approach 2026, more details about the performers, production, and format will surely emerge. What’s already clear is that the first-ever World Cup halftime show will be a historic cultural moment that blends sport, music, and global celebration on an unprecedented scale.
I’ll continue to update this article as more information becomes available about what promises to be an unforgettable addition to the World Cup experience.
