By Orkula Shaagee
In a historic first, the 2026 FIFA World Cup final will feature a Super Bowl-style halftime show, with British rock band Coldplay playing a key role in selecting the performing artists.
The tournament, co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, will conclude with the final at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on July 19, 2026.
While pre-match entertainment is a staple at major sporting events like the UEFA Champions League final, FIFA has never before incorporated a halftime show into the World Cup final. Traditionally, NFL games feature 15-minute halftimes, but the Super Bowl extends this break to approximately 30 minutes to accommodate high-profile performances.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino confirmed that Coldplay’s lead singer, Chris Martin, and band manager, Phil Harvey, will curate the 15-minute halftime lineup for the 2026 final.
This groundbreaking move aims to elevate the global spectacle of the World Cup, drawing inspiration from the Super Bowl’s record-breaking halftime shows.
This year’s Super Bowl halftime show, headlined by rap superstar Kendrick Lamar, set a new record with 133.5 million viewers across the United States, surpassing Michael Jackson’s iconic 1993 performance.
The inclusion of a halftime show at the World Cup final marks a significant shift in FIFA’s approach to entertainment, promising to deliver an unforgettable experience for fans worldwide.