The FIFA World Cup final will feature a Super Bowl-style half-time show, with British rock band Coldplay playing a key role in curating the lineup of performers for the first time in history.
The 2026 tournament, which will be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, is set to conclude on July 19 at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.
While pre-match entertainment has become a staple at major football events like the UEFA Champions League final, no World Cup final has ever included a performance during the half-time break.
Unlike regular NFL games, where half-time typically lasts around 15 minutes, the Super Bowl extends this period to approximately 30 minutes to accommodate elaborate performances.
FIFA president Gianni Infantino confirmed the groundbreaking development via Instagram, revealing that Coldplay’s lead singer, Chris Martin, and the band’s manager, Phil Harvey, will oversee the selection of artists for the 15-minute show.
“I can confirm the first ever half-time show at a FIFA World Cup final in New York New Jersey,” Infantino stated. “This will be a historic moment for the FIFA World Cup and a show befitting the biggest sporting event in the world.”
The MetLife Stadium, which will host the highly anticipated final, has previously staged major sporting and entertainment spectacles.
In the United States, the Super Bowl’s half-time show has consistently drawn massive audiences.
Rapper Kendrick Lamar headlined this year’s edition in New Orleans, setting a new record with 133.5 million viewers, surpassing the long-held record established by Michael Jackson in 1993.
Over the years, global superstars such as Rihanna, Beyoncé, and Lady Gaga have taken center stage at the Super Bowl, with Coldplay headlining in 2016.
These performances typically require 25 to 30 minutes to allow for the construction and dismantling of elaborate stage setups.
With FIFA now embracing this entertainment tradition, the 2026 World Cup final promises not only high-stakes football but also a spectacular musical showcase on the global stage.
