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FIFA president Gianni Infantino announced on Wednesday through his official Instagram account that the final of the 2026 World Cup will include a half-time show, marking a first in the tournament's history.
“I can confirm the inaugural half-time show at a FIFA World Cup final in New York, New Jersey, in partnership with Global Citizen,” Infantino stated.
He also disclosed that the British pop-rock band Coldplay will assist in selecting the artists for the performance.
“I want to express my gratitude to Chris Martin and Phil Harvey of Coldplay, who will collaborate with us at FIFA to finalize the list of artists performing during the half-time show, as well as at Times Square.”
Infantino noted that FIFA will take over Times Square during the final weekend of the tournament. “These will be two extraordinary matches showcasing some of the best players globally, and what better way to celebrate them than in the iconic Times Square in New York City.”
The 2026 World Cup will occur in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, and it will be the largest in history, featuring 48 teams instead of 32.
The final is scheduled to take place at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, on July 19, 2026.
This announcement has sparked comparisons to the half-time shows of the NFL Super Bowl, leading to inquiries about how FIFA will oversee the performances and which exciting musical talents will take the stage.
