In brief
In a historic first, the 2026 FIFA World Cup final will feature a Super Bowl-style half-time show, with Coldplay playing a pivotal role in artist selection. Co-hosted by the USA, Canada, and Mexico, the finale will take place at New Jersey's MetLife Stadium on July 19, 2026. Traditionally, the World Cup final has lacked a half-time show, making this a groundbreaking moment for the tournament. FIFA President Gianni Infantino announced that Coldplay's frontman Chris Martin and the band's manager Phil Harvey will curate a selection of performers for the 15-minute entertainment slot, marking a significant evolution in how the world’s biggest football event is experienced. Infantino expressed excitement on Instagram, stating, "This will be a historic moment for the FIFA World Cup and a show befitting the biggest sporting event in the world." The trend of major musical acts performing during sporting events has gained traction, with the Super Bowl half-time show previously featuring stars like Kendrick Lamar, Rihanna, and Lady Gaga.
