Infantino: 2026 World Cup final to introduce halftime show

FIFA President Gianni Infantino announced on Wednesday that the 2026 World Cup final will introduce a halftime show for the first time. This move is undoubtedly inspired by the model of the Super Bowl halftime show and aims to enhance the viewing and influence of the World Cup.

At the 2026 World Cup Business and Media Partner Summit held in Dallas, USA, Infantino made it clear: "I can confirm that the 2026 World Cup final will introduce a halftime show for the first time in the New York-New Jersey area, and will be presented by FIFA and the international non-profit organization Global Citizen. This will be a historic moment for the World Cup and a performance that matches the world's largest sporting event."

“We also discussed how FIFA can lead the celebrations in Times Square during the final weekend of the 2026 World Cup. The bronze medal match and the final will bring together the world’s top players and fans will be able to witness and celebrate this global sporting event in historic Times Square in New York.”

The artists for the halftime show will be selected by Coldplay frontman Chris Martin and his manager Phil Harvey. Infantino said: "A special thank you to Hugh Evans, CEO of Global Citizen, and his team, who have worked so hard to make this a great show. Thanks also to Chris Martin and Phil Harvey of Coldplay, who will work with FIFA to finalize the artist list for the halftime show and the Times Square show."

FIFA has not yet announced the specific performance details, but it is expected that the halftime show may last more than 30 minutes. Given that the halftime break of the World Cup is only 15 minutes, it remains to be seen whether FIFA will adjust the relevant rules.