For the first time in history, the FIFA World Cup final will feature a Super Bowl-style half-time show, adding an exciting new layer of entertainment to the biggest event in global football. The 2026 tournament, co-hosted by the USA, Canada, and Mexico, will end in the final on July 19 at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, where this groundbreaking performance will take place.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino confirmed the news via Instagram, describing it as "a historic moment for the FIFA World Cup and a show befitting the biggest sporting event in the world." To ensure a star-studded performance, Coldplay’s lead singer Chris Martin and band manager Phil Harvey have been tasked with selecting a lineup of artists for the 15-minute spectacle. Coldplay, who previously headlined the Super Bowl half-time show in 2016, bring significant experience in delivering high-profile performances on a global stage.

Halftime shows are a defining feature of the Super Bowl, where regular NFL game intervals last about 15 minutes but are extended to 25-30 minutes for the highly anticipated performances. Super Bowl halftime shows have drawn record-breaking audiences over the years. Rap superstar Kendrick Lamar’s 2024 performance in New Orleans reached an all-time high of 133.5 million viewers across the United States, surpassing Michael Jackson’s legendary 1993 performance. Other iconic artists such as Rihanna, Beyoncé, and Lady Gaga have also graced the Super Bowl stage in recent years.

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The decision to introduce a half-time show marks a shift in the traditional World Cup final format, blending sports with the entertainment spectacle that has made events like the Super Bowl a cultural phenomenon. With Coldplay curating the artist lineup, fans can expect an unforgettable show that will elevate the World Cup final to new heights.