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For the first time in FIFA World Cup history, the 2026 final will include a halftime show. FIFA president Gianni Infantino confirmed the news, marking a break from tradition for the tournament, which has never featured such entertainment since its inception in 1930.
The World Cup, co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, will culminate at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on July 19, 2026. Infantino announced that FIFA is partnering with Global Citizen and British band Coldplay to help organize the performance. While Coldplay will not necessarily perform, the group will assist in selecting artists for the event.
The official rules of soccer limit halftime breaks to 15 minutes, and it remains unclear whether adjustments will be made to accommodate the performance, similar to the Super Bowl.
A Historic Change for the World Cup
While this will be the first World Cup final with a halftime show, musical performances have been part of major soccer events before. Past World Cups have had official songs, and the UEFA Champions League final has often featured pre-match performances. Notably, Lenny Kravitz performed ahead of last year’s final in London.
However, integrating a halftime show during a World Cup final represents a significant shift. In 2022, singer Camila Cabello performed before the Champions League final but was largely drowned out by enthusiastic fans. FIFA’s decision signals an effort to expand entertainment beyond just the match itself.
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Expanding the 2026 World Cup
The 2026 World Cup will introduce several changes beyond the halftime show. With the tournament expanding from 32 to 48 teams, a total of 104 matches will be played, beginning with the opening game at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City on June 11, 2026.
Infantino also revealed plans for a major event in New York’s Times Square leading up to both the third-place playoff and the final. This move aims to further engage fans in the host country and create an immersive experience beyond the stadium.
As FIFA continues to modernize the tournament, the addition of a halftime show signals a new era for the World Cup, blending sport and entertainment on a scale never seen before.
