FIFA’s Bold Move: A Super Bowl-Style Halftime Show for the 2026 World Cup Final
In a groundbreaking move that has sparked a flurry of reactions across the globe, 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 set the stage for what promises to be a spectacular event.
The final, scheduled to take place at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, will see the venue temporarily renamed as New York New Jersey Stadium for the duration of the tournament. The match is set for July 19, 2026, and will undoubtedly be a historic occasion, not just for the sport but for entertainment as well.
Infantino took to Instagram to confirm 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.”
While the halftime break in football typically lasts just 15 minutes, Infantino has assured fans that a “list of artists” will perform during this brief intermission. However, details about whether the halftime interval will be extended to accommodate the show remain undisclosed.
To give you a sense of the scale and excitement surrounding this announcement, let’s take a look at some of the artists who have headlined previous Super Bowl halftime shows:
- Kendrick Lamar, who headlined this year’s Super Bowl halftime show during the clash between the Philadelphia Eagles and Kansas City Chiefs in New Orleans.
- Usher, Rihanna, Snoop Dogg, and The Weeknd have also topped the bill during previous Super Bowl halftime shows, which last up to 30 minutes due to the need to build and dismantle the stage on the pitch.
Adding to the excitement, Infantino revealed that Coldplay will play a pivotal role in advising FIFA on the production of the show. The band will also be involved in a so-called 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.”
He continued, “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. I also want to thank Chris Martin and Phil Harvey of Coldplay, who will be working with us at FIFA to finalise the list of artists who will perform during the halftime show, as well as at Times Square.”
The decision to incorporate a halftime show into the World Cup final has been met with mixed reactions. Some fans are thrilled at the prospect of combining the world’s most popular sport with top-tier entertainment, while purists argue that the focus should remain solely on the game itself. Regardless of where you stand, there’s no denying that this move will bring a new level of spectacle to the World Cup.
As we look forward to the 2026 World Cup, one thing is certain: the final will be an event like no other, blending the passion of football with the glitz and glamour of a world-class halftime show. Whether you’re a die-hard football fan or someone who tunes in for the entertainment, this is one event you won’t want to miss.
Originally Written by: Mark Ogden
