FIFA president, Gianni Infantino, announced via his official Instagram handle on Wednesday that the 2026 World Cup final will feature a half-time show, the first in the global tournament’s history.  

“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,” Infantino said.  

He also revealed that British pop-rock band Coldplay will help select the performers.

“I 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 half-time show, as well as at Times Square.”  

Infantino added that FIFA will take over Times Square during the tournament’s final weekend. “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.”  

The 2026 World Cup will be held in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. It will be the largest in history, with 48 teams instead of 32, and the final will take place at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, on July 19, 2026.  

The announcement has drawn comparisons to the NFL Super Bowl’s half-time shows, raising questions about how FIFA will manage the performances and which exciting musical artistes will take the stage.