2026 World Cup Final Set for Super Bowl-Style Halftime Show

The 2026 FIFA Men’s World Cup final at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey will feature a Super Bowl-style halftime show, FIFA president Gianni Infantino has confirmed, marking a break from football tradition.

Announced last February as the New York New Jersey Stadium, the venue will host the final on July 19, 2026—now with a twist British fans might not warm to.

Infantino revealed the plan on Instagram: “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.”

Football’s standard 15-minute halftime offers little room for the 30-minute spectacles seen at Super Bowls—think Kendrick Lamar, Usher, or Rihanna. No word yet on extending the break.

Coldplay’s Chris Martin and Phil Harvey will advise FIFA on the show and a Times Square takeover. “We also spoke about how FIFA will take over Times Square for the final weekend of the FIFA World Cup in 2026, during both the bronze final match and final,” Infantino said. “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.”

Details on artists and logistics remain under wraps.

WRITTEN BY

Jarrod

Jarrod Partridge is the Founder of Futbol Chronicle and an accredited journalist with over 30 years of experience following international football. A member of the AIPS International Sports Press Association, Jarrod has covered matches at stadiums around the world, bringing first-hand insight to every match report, player profile, and tactical analysis he writes.

More articles by Jarrod →