The 2026 FIFA World Cup final will feature a historic halftime musical performance, with legendary British band Coldplay playing a key role in planning the show. FIFA President Gianni Infantino confirmed the move after high-level meetings in the United States, promising a spectacle worthy of the world’s biggest sporting event.
The final, set to take place at the MetLife Stadium in New York/New Jersey, marks the first time FIFA will incorporate a halftime show into a World Cup final, mirroring the tradition of the Super Bowl. The challenge, however, lies in the timing—football’s halftime break typically lasts just 15 minutes, significantly shorter than the Super Bowl’s extended halftime window. At Super Bowl LIX, Kendrick Lamar’s performance ran for 13 minutes, excluding setup and breakdown time, meaning FIFA and Coldplay must craft a show that delivers maximum impact within a tight schedule.
Infantino, taking to Instagram to make the announcement, shared his excitement: “I can confirm the first-ever half-time show at a FIFA World Cup final in New York/New Jersey, in association with Global Citizen. This will be a historic moment for the FIFA World Cup and a show befitting the biggest sporting event in the world.”
The partnership with Global Citizen, an anti-poverty advocacy organization, has been in the works since last autumn, and now Coldplay is set to help curate the performance lineup. Known for their global appeal and grand-scale live performances, Coldplay’s input will be crucial in selecting artists capable of captivating an international audience.
Beyond the stadium, FIFA is planning an extensive fan festival that will take over New York City’s Times Square during the final weekend, coinciding with both the bronze final and the main event. “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?” Infantino added.
Football organizers have long admired the Super Bowl’s ability to blend sports with high-profile entertainment. This year’s Super Bowl halftime show, led by Kendrick Lamar in New Orleans, drew a record-breaking 133.5 million viewers. Now, FIFA and Coldplay must rise to the occasion, selecting an act that not only resonates with the massive global football audience but also creates a cultural moment that will be talked about for years to come.
