**The 2026 World Cup final, co-hosted by the USA, Canada, and Mexico, will feature a 15-minute half-time show curated by Coldplay, marking a first for FIFA's largest event.**
**Coldplay to Curate Historic Half-Time Show for 2026 World Cup Final**
**Coldplay to Curate Historic Half-Time Show for 2026 World Cup Final**
**The celebrated band will assist in selecting artists for the inaugural half-time performance at the FIFA World Cup.**
The 2026 World Cup final is set to introduce an unprecedented Super Bowl-style half-time show, with the renowned band Coldplay playing a pivotal role in selecting a lineup of performing artists. Scheduled for July 19, 2026, at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, the tournament will be co-hosted by the USA, Canada, and Mexico.
Historical context highlights that while pre-match performances are typical at other significant sporting events, the World Cup final has notably not included a half-time show. FIFA has announced that the half-time will run for 15 minutes, similar to the NFL format but shorter than the Super Bowl, which allows for extended performances. FIFA President Gianni Infantino confirmed that Coldplay's lead vocalist Chris Martin and the band's manager Phil Harvey will oversee the selection of artists for this groundbreaking event.
Infantino expressed enthusiasm for the introduction of this initiative on social media, stating, "I can confirm the first ever half-time show at a FIFA World Cup final in New York, New Jersey. This will be a historic moment for the FIFA World Cup and a show befitting the biggest sporting event in the world."
The move to include a half-time show comes in the wake of evolving entertainment standards, as seen with high-profile Super Bowl performances by artists such as Kendrick Lamar, Rihanna, and Beyoncé, who have drawn record-setting audiences. The anticipation for a culturally engaging half-time entertainment segment at the World Cup final showcases FIFA's efforts to modernize the fan experience while bridging the worlds of music and sports.
Historical context highlights that while pre-match performances are typical at other significant sporting events, the World Cup final has notably not included a half-time show. FIFA has announced that the half-time will run for 15 minutes, similar to the NFL format but shorter than the Super Bowl, which allows for extended performances. FIFA President Gianni Infantino confirmed that Coldplay's lead vocalist Chris Martin and the band's manager Phil Harvey will oversee the selection of artists for this groundbreaking event.
Infantino expressed enthusiasm for the introduction of this initiative on social media, stating, "I can confirm the first ever half-time show at a FIFA World Cup final in New York, New Jersey. This will be a historic moment for the FIFA World Cup and a show befitting the biggest sporting event in the world."
The move to include a half-time show comes in the wake of evolving entertainment standards, as seen with high-profile Super Bowl performances by artists such as Kendrick Lamar, Rihanna, and Beyoncé, who have drawn record-setting audiences. The anticipation for a culturally engaging half-time entertainment segment at the World Cup final showcases FIFA's efforts to modernize the fan experience while bridging the worlds of music and sports.
