FIFA to Host First Halftime Show for 2026 World Cup Final

FIFA announced that the 2026 World Cup final will feature a halftime show for the first time in the tournament's history.

This move represents a significant shift in football culture, as the sport traditionally prioritizes the game's continuity over mid-match entertainment. By introducing a high-profile performance, FIFA is attempting to merge the global appeal of football with the entertainment model used by the NFL's Super Bowl.

The final is scheduled for July 19, 2026 ^[1]. The match will take place in the U.S., with Canada and Mexico serving as co-hosts for the broader tournament.

Officials said the decision follows a growing trend of entertainment at major football events. FIFA said the successful performance by Shakira at the Copa América 2024 was a catalyst for the decision. The governing body aims to boost the overall spectacle of the championship match to attract a wider global audience.

While the existence of the show is confirmed, reports regarding the performers remain contradictory. Some sources suggest that Shakira, Madonna, and BTS were named as the acts for the event. However, other reports identify Coldplay as the announced performer for the halftime slot.

FIFA president Gianni Infantino has presided over the organization during this transition toward more commercialized entertainment. The introduction of the show marks a departure from the strict adherence to traditional match intervals, a change that has already sparked debate among football purists who believe the focus should remain solely on the athletes.