FIFA president Gianni Infantino has confirmed plans for the 2026 World Cup final, with one change set to revolutionise the showpiece event.
Among the notable features for next year’s final at the MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, is a half-time show, taking inspiration from the iconic spectacle that defines the NFL’s Super Bowl.
While football’s traditional 15-minute half-time break has never included the type of entertainment expected in America’s grandest event, the 2026 World Cup final will break new ground by introducing a star-studded performance in the middle of the match.
Infantino confirmed the move via Instagram, revealing that Coldplay’s Chris Martin and the band’s manager, Phil Harvey, will be on hand to help craft the line-up for the show.
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"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. "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. "My thanks of course to Global Citizen CEO Hugh Evans and his incredible team, for helping us put together these amazing shows.
"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 half time show, as well as at Times Square."
