For the first time in FIFA World Cup history, the 2026 final will feature a Super Bowl-style halftime show, with British band Coldplay assisting in selecting the performing artists. The tournament, co-hosted by the USA, Canada, and Mexico, will culminate on July 19, 2026, at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.
Traditionally, events like the Champions League final have included pre-match performances, but a halftime show during a World Cup final is unprecedented. While NFL regular-season halftimes last about 15 minutes, the Super Bowl extends this to accommodate elaborate shows. Details about the duration of the World Cup final’s halftime have yet to be confirmed.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino announced that Coldplay’s lead singer, Chris Martin, and band manager, Phil Harvey, will collaborate with FIFA to finalize the list of artists for the halftime show. Infantino stated, “I can confirm the first ever half-time show at a FIFA World Cup final in New York New Jersey.”
In recent years, the Super Bowl halftime show has featured prominent artists such as Kendrick Lamar, Rihanna, Beyoncé, and Lady Gaga, with Coldplay headlining in 2016. These performances often require extended halftimes to manage stage setups and breakdowns.
