For the first time in FIFA World Cup history, the 2026 final will include a high-profile half-time show similar to the Super Bowl, with British band Coldplay playing a key role in curating a star-studded lineup of performers.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup, co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, will conclude with the final match on July 19 at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, marking a historic moment for the tournament.

While major events like the UEFA Champions League final have long featured pre-match performances, a dedicated half-time show during a World Cup final is an unprecedented addition to the sport.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino confirmed the news on Instagram, stating, “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.”

Infantino also revealed that Coldplay’s lead singer, Chris Martin, and band manager, Phil Harvey, will help assemble an exciting lineup of artists for the 15-minute performance.

The move draws inspiration from the Super Bowl, where half-time breaks are extended to 30 minutes to accommodate elaborate shows. Over the years, the Super Bowl has featured iconic performances from artists like Beyoncé, Rihanna, and Lady Gaga, with each show becoming a cultural phenomenon.

Coldplay, having headlined the Super Bowl halftime show in 2016, brings valuable experience to this groundbreaking initiative. Their involvement sets the stage for a spectacular musical showcase during the World Cup final.

Notably, American rapper Kendrick Lamar headlined the 2025 Super Bowl halftime show in New Orleans, attracting a record-breaking 133.5 million viewers across the United States—surpassing the previous record set by Michael Jackson in 1993.