In an exciting announcement made on Wednesday, FIFA President Gianni Infantino revealed that the 2026 FIFA Men's World Cup final will feature a groundbreaking Super Bowl-style halftime show. The news was shared during a convention for the tournament’s commercial and media partners in Dallas, setting the stage for what promises to be a historic event in football history.
A historic moment for the FIFA World Cup 2026
I can confirm the first ever halftime show at a FIFA World Cup final in New York-New Jersey, Infantino confirmed. This will be a historic moment for the FIFA World Cup and a show befitting the biggest sporting event in the world.
The decision marks a major shift in World Cup traditions, aligning the tournament's final with the entertainment spectacle often seen at other high-profile global events.
Infantino also announced plans to take over Times Square for the final weekend of the 2026 World Cup. This exciting development will occur during both the bronze final match and the main final, promising an unforgettable experience for fans in the heart of New York City.
The star-studded Halftime show
The 2026 World Cup final will be held at New Jersey’s MetLife Stadium on July 19, 2026, and fans can expect an impressive halftime show. A "list of artists" will perform during the halftime break, adding an element of global entertainment to the already thrilling atmosphere of the match.
Coldplay’s manager, Phil Harvey, and lead singer, Chris Martin, are tasked with curating the show. While Coldplay themselves will not perform, the duo will work behind the scenes to assemble a lineup of top-tier artists.
Shortened halftime?
As per the Laws of the Game, soccer matches typically have a 15-minute halftime. However, organizing a halftime performance like the one planned for 2026 would likely require a shorter performance due to the logistics involved in setting up and breaking down the stage.
The NFL’s Super Bowl halftime show, for example, is extended to 30 minutes, offering a precedent that FIFA may follow for the World Cup final. If FIFA decides to extend the halftime break, it would provide more time for the spectacle to unfold without disrupting the flow of the game.
The inclusion of a halftime show is just one of the many ways the 2026 FIFA World Cup is set to be a groundbreaking event. With a star-studded performance planned for the final, football fans worldwide will have even more to look forward to during the biggest sporting event on the planet.
