FIFA’s Bold Move: A Super Bowl-Style Halftime Show for the 2026 World Cup Final
In a groundbreaking move that has stirred up quite the conversation in the world of sports, FIFA has announced that the 2026 FIFA Men’s World Cup final will feature a Super Bowl-style halftime show. This decision, revealed by FIFA president Gianni Infantino, marks a significant departure from tradition and has sparked a variety of reactions from fans and pundits alike.
The final match of the 2026 World Cup is set to take place at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, which will be temporarily renamed New York New Jersey Stadium for the duration of the tournament. The date to mark on your calendars is July 19, 2026. This venue announcement was made back in February 2024, and now, with the addition of a halftime show, the event promises to be even more spectacular.
Infantino took to Instagram to share the news, 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.”
For those familiar with the Super Bowl, the halftime show is a major highlight, often featuring top-tier artists and elaborate performances. This year’s Super Bowl halftime show was headlined by rap artist Kendrick Lamar during the game between the Philadelphia Eagles and Kansas City Chiefs in New Orleans. Previous performers have included big names like Usher, Rihanna, Snoop Dogg, and The Weeknd, with shows lasting up to 30 minutes to allow for stage setup and teardown.
However, FIFA has yet to disclose whether the World Cup final will have an extended halftime to accommodate the performance. The standard halftime break in football is just 15 minutes, so it remains to be seen how this will be managed. Infantino did mention that Coldplay will be involved in advising FIFA on the production of the show, as well as a special Times Square takeover during the final weekend.
Infantino elaborated, “We also spoke about how FIFA will takeover Times Square for the final weekend of the FIFA World Cup in 2026, during both the bronze final match and final. These will be two incredible matches, featuring some of the best players in the world, and what better way to celebrate them than in the historic Times Square in New York City.”
He also expressed gratitude towards Chris Martin and Phil Harvey of Coldplay, who will be collaborating with FIFA to finalize the list of artists for the halftime show and the Times Square event. This partnership hints at a potentially star-studded lineup that could rival the Super Bowl’s entertainment value.
- FIFA’s decision to introduce a halftime show at the World Cup final is a first in the tournament’s history.
- The 2026 World Cup final will be held at MetLife Stadium, temporarily renamed New York New Jersey Stadium.
- Coldplay will assist FIFA in organizing the halftime show and Times Square events.
- Details on the halftime duration and artist lineup are yet to be announced.
As the world anticipates this historic event, opinions are divided. Some fans are excited about the added entertainment value, while purists argue that the focus should remain on the game itself. Regardless of where you stand, there’s no denying that the 2026 World Cup final is shaping up to be an unforgettable spectacle.
Originally Written by: Mark Ogden
