FIFA Modernising World Cup Final With Half-Time Show

FIFA President Gianni Infantino has confirmed that the 2026 FIFA Men’s World Cup final will feature a halftime show, a first in the tournament’s history.

Taking to Instagram, Infantino announced that the World Cup final at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, which will be rebranded as New York New Jersey Stadium for the tournament, and will introduce an entertainment spectacle similar to the iconic Super Bowl halftime show, with the final set to take place on 19 July 2026.

On the event, Infantino, said: “I can confirm the first-ever halftime 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.”

“We also discussed how FIFA will take over Times Square for the final weekend of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, including both the bronze final and the main final. These two incredible matches will feature 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 said.

While details regarding performers remain scarce, the move signals FIFA’s ambition to expand the global appeal of the World Cup by incorporating entertainment that could attract a wider audience. The halftime period, traditionally 15 minutes, is also expected to be extended to accommodate the performance.

The United States is no stranger to high-profile sports entertainment, with the Super Bowl halftime show featuring artists such as Rihanna, Usher, The Weeknd, Kendrick Lamar, and 50 Cent in recent years, with FIFA appearing to be embracing this cultural influence as it prepares to host the tournament across the US, Canada, and Mexico.

Infantino has hinted that a list of artists is already under consideration, with UK band Coldplay reportedly playing a role in selecting the lineup.

If executed well, this initiative could further boost the World Cup’s already massive global viewership by tapping into music fandoms that may not typically tune into football.

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