FIFA to introduce inaugural halftime show for July World Cup final
The 2026 tournament marks a shift in event presentation, with the first-ever halftime performance scheduled for the final at MetLife Stadium.
FIFA has confirmed that the football World Cup final in July will feature a Super Bowl-style halftime show for the first time in the tournament's history. The governing body announced the lineup for the inaugural concert, which will be headlined by Madonna, Shakira and the boy band BTS.
The performance is scheduled to take place on July 19 at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. This event coincides with the final of the 2026 World Cup, which is being hosted across North America. The inclusion of a major musical concert during the final match represents a significant departure from previous tournament formats.
Coldplay’s Chris Martin has been appointed to curate the performance. The announcement highlights the global scale of the event, with the tournament featuring 48 teams. Key entities involved in the organisation of the event include FIFA and Gianni Infantino, alongside the Global Citizen Education Fund.
The decision to introduce a halftime show aligns with efforts to broaden the appeal of the World Cup beyond the pitch. The star-studded nature of the concert, featuring internationally recognised artists, underscores the commercial and cultural ambitions of the 2026 tournament.
Details regarding the specific setlist or performance structure have not yet been released. The event will mark the first time a halftime show has been included in a FIFA World Cup final, signalling a new era in the presentation of the sport's premier event.
