FIFA is set to introduce a historic change for the 2026 World Cup by adding a halftime show to the final, following the NFL’s model for the Super Bowl. Coldplay’s Chris Martin and Phil Harvey have been tasked with curating a lineup of artists for the first-ever halftime performance at the world’s biggest sporting event.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino confirmed the news at a press event in Dallas, where he outlined plans for the tournament set to take place in North America.
“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.”
Similar to how the NFL collaborates with Jay-Z’s Roc Nation for the Super Bowl halftime show, FIFA will work with Martin and Harvey to develop a list of potential performers for the World Cup final, which will be held on July 19, 2026.
It remains unclear whether Coldplay will be part of the show. Typically, soccer halftime breaks last around 15 minutes, but FIFA may extend the intermission to accommodate a larger-scale performance, as seen in the Super Bowl.
With Coldplay’s history of delivering massive live performances, anticipation is already building for what could be a groundbreaking entertainment spectacle at the World Cup final.
Source: Linda Ikeji Blog