FIFA President Gianni Infantino has confirmed that the 2026 World Cup Final will feature the first-ever halftime show in the tournament’s history, with British band Coldplay, led by Chris Martin, serving as the curator of the event. This marks a significant departure from tradition, as no World Cup Final has previously included a musical performance during the halftime break.
The announcement was made during Infantino’s interview with Semafor’s Max Tani, where he emphasized that the show will not feature a single artist but multiple performers. “yet tell you which artists will be performing, but it’s not one, it’s more than one,” Infantino stated. “And it will be the biggest in the world. It will be fantastic.” This confirmation follows earlier indications that the halftime show would be produced in association with Global Citizen, with Chris Martin and Coldplay’s Phil Harvey working alongside FIFA to finalize the artist lineup.
The 2026 World Cup Final is scheduled to accept place on July 19 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. Infantino similarly revealed that FIFA will take over Times Square in New York City for the final weekend, with both the final and the bronze medal match being shown live on screens in midtown Manhattan. This initiative aims to integrate the tournament more deeply into the American cultural landscape during its summer schedule.
While the concept of a halftime show at a football final is inspired by the NFL’s Super Bowl format, Infantino noted that the idea was successfully tested at the 2025 Club World Cup Final, which featured performances by J Balvin, Doja Cat, Tems, and Coldplay. This prior event served as a proof of concept for expanding the entertainment component to the sport’s most prestigious match.
The decision to introduce a halftime show has generated discussion among fans and commentators, with some viewing it as an innovative way to enhance the spectator experience and others expressing concern about altering the traditional flow of the match. Infantino acknowledged these perspectives but maintained that the show will be a positive addition to the event’s global appeal.
As the tournament approaches, further details about the specific artists participating in the halftime show are expected to be announced in the coming weeks. FIFA has not yet released additional information regarding the full lineup or the exact duration of the performance.
For ongoing updates on the 2026 World Cup Final halftime show and other tournament developments, fans are encouraged to follow official FIFA communications and trusted sports news outlets.
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