FIFA President Gianni Infantino has announced that the 2026 World Cup final will feature a halftime musical show for the first time. The match, set for July 19 at MetLife Stadium, will include performances curated by Coldplay’s Chris Martin and Phil Harvey, inspired by the Super Bowl’s famous halftime spectacle.
For the first time in history, the FIFA World Cup final will feature a halftime musical performance, FIFA President Gianni Infantino has announced. The 2026 tournament, jointly hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada, is set to be the biggest edition yet, with 48 teams competing.
Infantino shared the news on Instagram, revealing that FIFA plans to transform Times Square into a major hub for the final weekend. He also noted that Chris Martin and Phil Harvey of Coldplay are involved in curating the lineup of artists expected to perform during the halftime show, as well as at the Times Square festivities.
The move mirrors the Super Bowl’s famous halftime performances, which have become a staple of American sports culture. In 2025, rapper Kendrick Lamar headlined the NFL’s championship game with a nearly 30-minute performance. FIFA’s decision marks a significant shift, as football’s traditional 15-minute intermission has historically been reserved for team discussions and tactical adjustments.
The 2026 final, scheduled to take place at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on July 19, is expected to attract millions of viewers worldwide. With FIFA introducing an entertainment element similar to that of the NFL, reactions from football fans have been mixed—some embracing the spectacle, while others question whether it could overshadow the essence of the sport.
As FIFA finalizes the artist lineup, anticipation continues to build for what could be a groundbreaking moment in World Cup history.
