In a historical breakthrough, the 2026 FIFA World Cup final will for the first time have a Super Bowl-style half-time show, the British rock band Coldplay will curate a lineup of performers for the event. The final that is highly expected to be played on the 19th of July, 2026 at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, is going to bring in some changes into the tournament’s entertainment sequence. As per Kevin Alaga, pre-match performances such as those commonly seen before the Champions League Final, will be integrated into the final, as a half-time show, which would be the first-ever for the World Cup, breaking the norm of a shortened break for the additional effect.
Coldplay To Curate First-Ever World Cup Final Half-Time Show
FIFA President Gianni Infantino announced that the 2026 World Cup final will host its first-ever halftime entertainment through a selection made by Coldplay frontman Chris Martin and band manager Phil Harvey. The MetLife Stadium in New York New Jersey will host the final match which will include a 15-minute entertainment intermission. Infantino made the announcement through Instagram where he stated “The FIFA World Cup final in New York New Jersey will host its inaugural half-time show.” The upcoming show marks a definitive moment in FIFA World Cup history for the largest international sporting tournament of all time.
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Super Bowl Influence On World Cup Final Entertainment
The choice to air the broadcast resembles the entertainment aspect seen during Super Bowl halftime shows which have accumulated exceptional viewer numbers. The Super Bowl halftime show in New Orleans this year brought Kendrick Lamar to perform in front of 133.5 million viewers who exceeded Michael Jackson’s previous record from 1993. Rihanna, Beyoncé and Lady Gaga have performed at the event while Coldplay took the stage in 2016. The 25 to 30-minute time slot for Super Bowl half-time performances includes stage setup and dismantling periods which might shape how the World Cup final organises its entertainment segments.
