Gianni Infantino reveals Coldplay will help FIFA decide which artists will perform at 2026 World Cup final halftime show in New Jersey as soccer's biggest event copies NFL Super Bowl model

With the 2026 tournament set to be hosted across the United States, Mexico, and Canada, FIFA is aiming to elevate the event's entertainment value by introducing a musical spectacle during the break of the final match. This edition of the World Cup will also mark the debut of an expanded 48-team format, increasing participation and global representation. And with the title decider scheduled to take place at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, on July 19, 2026, it will be a historic occasion in more ways than one.

As per Sky News journalist Rob Harris, FIFA has already begun preparations for the halftime show, with Infantino informing sponsors and broadcasters about the planning being conducted this week. That includes the involvement of Coldplay, the globally renowned British band, in curating the lineup for the performance.

"I can confirm the first ever half-time show at a FIFA World Cup final in New York New Jersey," Infantino said on Instagram. "This will be a historic moment for the FIFA World Cup and a show befitting the biggest sporting event in the world."

The FIFA president added: "We also spoke about how FIFA will takeover Times Square for the final weekend of the FIFA World Cup in 2026, during both the bronze final match and final. 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."

The decision to incorporate a halftime show for the World Cup final comes on the heels of the massive success of NFL Super Bowl halftime performances. The most recent Super Bowl, held in New Orleans, saw Kendrick Lamar and SZA take the stage, drawing an astonishing average audience of 133.5 million viewers. This figure surpassed the long-standing record set by Michael Jackson’s legendary 1993 performance, making it the most-watched halftime show in history.

During the 2022 World Cup final in Qatar, six artists performed as part of the closing ceremony before Argentina faced France in a dramatic title showdown. Similarly, in club football, the UEFA Champions League final has frequently included pre-match musical acts to build excitement. Recent years have seen performances from Lenny Kravitz, Camila Cabello, Burna Boy, and Dua Lipa, adding an extra entertainment layer to Europe’s most prestigious club competition.

If the Super Bowl’s record-breaking viewership is any indication, FIFA’s move to incorporate a halftime show could elevate the World Cup final to new heights, blending sports and music in a way never seen before on football’s grandest stage.