The 2026 Men’s World Cup final in the United States will feature an unprecedented Super Bowl-style half-time show, FIFA president Gianni Infantino has revealed.
The final, set to take place on July 19, 2026, will be held at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, which will be temporarily rebranded as New York New Jersey Stadium for the duration of the tournament.
The decision to introduce a half-time performance at the World Cup final represents a historic first for the competition.
Despite football’s usual 15-minute half-time break, Infantino confirmed that FIFA has lined up a “list of artists” to perform during the interval of the final.
“I can confirm the first ever half-time show at a FIFA World Cup final in New York New Jersey,” Infantino announced on Instagram.
The announcement draws clear parallels with the NFL’s Super Bowl, which is known for its elaborate half-time performances. This year’s Super Bowl show, headlined by Kendrick Lamar during the Philadelphia Eagles vs Kansas City Chiefs matchup in New Orleans, continued a long tradition of major musical acts taking the stage.
FIFA president Gianni Infantino has confirmed next year’s World Cup final will have a half-time show. pic.twitter.com/PSTLGbb2ft
— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) March 5, 2025
Previous performers have included Usher, Rihanna, Snoop Dogg, and The Weeknd, with halftime shows often lasting up to 30 minutes to allow for stage setup and breakdown.
As of now, FIFA has not clarified whether the half-time interval of the World Cup final will be extended to accommodate the performance.
Infantino also revealed that Coldplay will play a key role in shaping the half-time show, as well as FIFA’s planned “Times Square takeover” during the final weekend of the tournament.
“We also spoke about how FIFA will takeover Times Square for the final weekend of the World Cup in 2026, during both the bronze final match and final,” he 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.”
