By Kwame Bediako
FIFA President Gianni Infantino has confirmed that the 2026 FIFA World Cup final will feature a Super Bowl-style halftime show. The announcement was made on Instagram, where Infantino revealed that the final, scheduled to take place at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on July 19, 2026, will include a historic halftime performance. This marks the first time a World Cup final will have a halftime show, and it’s expected to be a spectacular event.
The halftime show is expected to be a major production, with the break period likely to be extended to accommodate the entertainment. While details are still scarce, Infantino hinted at a star-studded lineup, revealing that UK band Coldplay’s Chris Martin and Phil Harvey will be working with FIFA to finalize the list of performers. The move is seen as an attempt to tap into fandoms that don’t usually watch football, potentially boosting viewership numbers for the tournament.
The 2026 World Cup final halftime show is expected to be a lavish production, akin to the high-profile performances seen during the Super Bowl halftime show. Recent Super Bowl performers have included Kendrick Lamar, 50 Cent, Snoop Dogg, Usher, Rihanna, and The Weeknd, among others. Infantino’s announcement has generated significant buzz, with fans eagerly anticipating the reveal of the halftime show performers.
In addition to the halftime show, Infantino also announced plans to take over Times Square for the final weekend of the 2026 World Cup, including both the bronze final and the main final. The event is expected to be a spectacular celebration of football, with some of the world’s top players taking to the field.
The introduction of a halftime show at the World Cup final is seen as a strategic move by FIFA to enhance the fan experience and attract new audiences. With the 2026 World Cup already shaping up to be a highly anticipated event, the addition of a star-studded halftime show is expected to take the tournament to new heights.
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