For the first time in FIFA history, the Men’s World Cup final will feature a halftime show, marking a significant shift in the tournament’s entertainment format. FIFA President Gianni Infantino announced that the 2026 final, scheduled for July 19 at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey (temporarily renamed New York New Jersey Stadium for the event), will include a Super Bowl-style halftime performance in collaboration with Global Citizen.

Infantino described the show as a “historic moment” for the World Cup, promising an entertainment experience befitting the world’s largest sporting event. He also revealed that Coldplay’s Chris Martin and Phil Harvey are working with FIFA to curate the lineup of artists for both the halftime show and related events at Times Square during the tournament’s final weekend.

In addition to the halftime performance, FIFA plans to “take over” Times Square for celebrations surrounding the bronze final and championship match. Infantino emphasized that these events aim to celebrate the world-class players competing while showcasing New York City’s iconic cultural backdrop.

While details of the artist lineup remain under wraps, FIFA is clearly aiming to elevate the global spectacle of its 2026 tournament, co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. With this groundbreaking initiative, FIFA hopes to blend sports and entertainment in a way that resonates with fans worldwide.