Coldplay Takes Charge of 2026 World Cup Final Half-Time Show Selection

For the first time in history, the FIFA World Cup final will feature a half-time show curated by Coldplay, marking a new era for the tournament.

In a groundbreaking announcement, Coldplay has been appointed to assist in selecting artists for the inaugural half-time show at the 2026 FIFA World Cup final. The highly anticipated event will take place at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on July 19, 2026, with co-hosts USA, Canada, and Mexico celebrating the world's biggest sporting occasion.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino confirmed this historic development through social media, emphasizing its significance: "I can confirm the first ever half-time show at a Fifa World Cup final in New York New Jersey. This will be a historic moment for the FIFA World Cup and a show befitting the biggest sporting event in the world."

Traditionally, the World Cup final has seen pre-match entertainment, but it has never staged a half-time show akin to those in major American football events like the Super Bowl. In the NFL, the break between halves typically lasts about 15 minutes, but Super Bowl shows are extended to allow enough time for elaborate performances, ranging from 25 to 30 minutes.

Coldplay's lead singer, Chris Martin, along with band manager Phil Harvey, will be instrumental in crafting a robust artist lineup that promises to deliver a memorable 15-minute spectacle during the break at the World Cup final.

The popularity of half-time shows is on the rise, with recent performances attracting record audiences. Kendrick Lamar's performance at the 2023 Super Bowl in New Orleans, which reached over 133.5 million viewers, exemplified how impactful these shows can be, setting a precedent for future events. Iconic artists like Rihanna, Beyonce, and Lady Gaga have lit up the Super Bowl stages in previous years, including Coldplay's own 2016 showcase, which showcased an impressive array of talent.

The 2026 final is poised to not only provide thrilling football action but also introduce an entertainment format to captivate global audiences like never before.