The upcoming tournament will conclude in July 2026 at MetLife Stadium, with a move towards a celebratory performance style similar to the Super Bowl.
**Coldplay to Curate First-Ever Half-Time Show for 2026 World Cup Final**
**Coldplay to Curate First-Ever Half-Time Show for 2026 World Cup Final**
For the first time, the World Cup final will feature a half-time show, with Coldplay taking charge of selecting performers.
In a groundbreaking move, FIFA has announced that the 2026 World Cup final, set to take place in New Jersey on July 19, will feature a half-time show for the first time in history. The globally renowned band Coldplay will play a significant role in curating a diverse lineup of artists to entertain audiences during the 15-minute interval. This event, co-hosted by the USA, Canada, and Mexico, marks an innovative step in the evolution of World Cup celebrations.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino expressed his excitement about this development on social media, emphasizing the significance of this addition to the football spectacle. “I can confirm the first-ever half-time show at a FIFA World Cup final in New York New Jersey,” Infantino stated, highlighting the momentous occasion it represents for the global sporting event.
While pre-match entertainment has become a staple in big sports events such as the Champions League final, the introduction of a half-time show at the World Cup represents a novel approach. Unlike the typical NFL season, where half-times last around 15 minutes, the Super Bowl dedicates up to 30 minutes for its elaborate half-time shows, allowing for on-stage setups and transitions. The 2026 World Cup will adapt a shorter, though still exciting, 15-minute performance.
Coldplay’s frontman Chris Martin and band manager Phil Harvey will assist FIFA in identifying suitable artists to enhance the viewing experience. Following the trend of high-profile performances at major events, the inaugural show has the potential to draw significant viewership similar to recent Super Bowl shows, such as Kendrick Lamar's performance, which reached a record 133.5 million viewers in the U.S.
With iconic artists like Rihanna, Beyoncé, and Lady Gaga having graced the Super Bowl stage in recent years, the World Cup final’s half-time show is poised to offer an unforgettable entertainment segment, merging football’s passionate fan base with the vibrancy of live music. This new tradition may set a precedent for future World Cup tournaments, integrating sports and entertainment on a grand scale.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino expressed his excitement about this development on social media, emphasizing the significance of this addition to the football spectacle. “I can confirm the first-ever half-time show at a FIFA World Cup final in New York New Jersey,” Infantino stated, highlighting the momentous occasion it represents for the global sporting event.
While pre-match entertainment has become a staple in big sports events such as the Champions League final, the introduction of a half-time show at the World Cup represents a novel approach. Unlike the typical NFL season, where half-times last around 15 minutes, the Super Bowl dedicates up to 30 minutes for its elaborate half-time shows, allowing for on-stage setups and transitions. The 2026 World Cup will adapt a shorter, though still exciting, 15-minute performance.
Coldplay’s frontman Chris Martin and band manager Phil Harvey will assist FIFA in identifying suitable artists to enhance the viewing experience. Following the trend of high-profile performances at major events, the inaugural show has the potential to draw significant viewership similar to recent Super Bowl shows, such as Kendrick Lamar's performance, which reached a record 133.5 million viewers in the U.S.
With iconic artists like Rihanna, Beyoncé, and Lady Gaga having graced the Super Bowl stage in recent years, the World Cup final’s half-time show is poised to offer an unforgettable entertainment segment, merging football’s passionate fan base with the vibrancy of live music. This new tradition may set a precedent for future World Cup tournaments, integrating sports and entertainment on a grand scale.
