The 2026 FIFA World Cup Final will make history on July 19, 2026. For the first time in 97 years, the World Cup final will feature a Super Bowl-style halftime show. MetLife Stadium in New Jersey hosts this groundbreaking event that expects to reach over 2 billion viewers worldwide.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino announced the historic decision in March 2025. He called it “a historic moment for the FIFA World Cup and a show befitting the biggest sporting event in the world.” Soccer fans around the globe are about to witness something completely new.
Quick Facts About the FIFA World Cup 2026 Halftime Show
- Date: Sunday, July 19, 2026
- Location: MetLife Stadium, New Jersey (renamed New York New Jersey Stadium for tournament)
- Producer: Global Citizen in partnership with FIFA
- Curators: Chris Martin and Phil Harvey from Coldplay
- Performers: To be announced
- Expected Viewership: 2+ billion globally
- Traditional Halftime Duration: 15 minutes (may be extended)
- Tournament Hosts: USA, Canada, Mexico
- Historic First: No World Cup final has ever had a halftime show
What time does the FIFA World Cup 2026 Halftime Show Start?
The World Cup final takes place on Sunday, July 19, 2026 at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. FIFA has not announced the exact kickoff time yet. The kickoff time typically gets revealed about six months before the tournament begins.
Halftime usually occurs 50 to 60 minutes into the broadcast. The exact timing depends on how the first half plays out. Stoppage time and injuries can affect when halftime begins. Expect the halftime show to start in the mid-afternoon or early evening Eastern Time.
How Long Will the Show Last?
Traditional soccer halftime lasts only 15 minutes. Players rest while crews water the pitch and prepare for the second half. Super Bowl halftime runs approximately 30 minutes to allow for elaborate stage setups.
FIFA has not confirmed whether they will extend the World Cup final halftime. The performance itself will likely run 12 to 15 minutes minimum. The big question remains how crews will set up the stage, perform the show, and tear everything down in such a short window.
The World Cup tournament begins on June 11, 2026 in Mexico City. The month-long competition features 104 matches across 16 cities in the USA, Canada, and Mexico. The bronze medal match happens on July 18, 2026 in Miami. The final on July 19 caps off the entire tournament.
Who’s Performing at the FIFA World Cup 2026 Halftime Show?
No performers have been announced yet. Global Citizen and Chris Martin are still finalizing the artist lineup. FIFA promises “high-energy performances from some of the globe’s top acts.”
The announcement will likely come in early to mid 2026 as the tournament approaches. Chris Martin from Coldplay and the band’s manager Phil Harvey serve as curators. They will select which artists take the stage during the biggest sporting event in the world.
Chris Martin and Coldplay’s Role
Chris Martin brings valuable experience from his 2016 Super Bowl halftime show. He performed alongside Beyoncé and Bruno Mars in front of millions of viewers. Phil Harvey manages Coldplay and works with Martin to produce major events.
Their job involves finalizing the performing artist list for both the halftime show and Times Square events. They work directly with Global Citizen and FIFA to create the perfect lineup.
The important detail: Coldplay will not perform at the halftime show. Martin and Harvey only serve as curators and producers. They select other artists to take the stage.
“I want to thank Chris Martin and Phil Harvey of Coldplay who will be working with us at FIFA to finalize the list of artists who will perform during the halftime show,” Infantino said.
What to Expect From the Performance
The show will feature multiple performers similar to Super Bowl halftime shows. Expect about four to six songs across several artists. The lineup will appeal to diverse musical tastes across different continents.
Global Citizen CEO Hugh Evans described the show as “a ground-breaking moment where sport, music and culture merge.” The performance celebrates football’s unique power to bring people together.
The production will include visual spectacle with dynamic staging and special effects. The show gets designed for a global audience of 2 billion viewers. Artists will deliver high-energy performances that create an “unmissable event.”
How to Watch the FIFA World Cup 2026 Final and Halftime Show
TV Broadcast Options in the United States
The primary broadcaster for the 2026 World Cup has not been officially announced yet. Previous World Cups in the United States aired on FOX and ESPN. The announcement typically comes 12 to 18 months before the tournament begins.
The final will be available on major cable and satellite providers across the country. A network broadcast option means fans can watch free over-the-air. Spanish-language coverage will likely appear on Telemundo or Univision.
Live Streaming Options
For US Viewers:
FIFA+ streaming platform offers free worldwide access. You need no subscription or cable login. The primary broadcaster will also offer streaming through their app and website. Most major streaming TV services like YouTube TV and Hulu Live will carry the broadcast.
For International Viewers:
FIFA+ provides free streaming to fans anywhere in the world. Local broadcasters in each country will also show the final. The BBC typically broadcasts World Cup matches in the UK. Each region has sports networks that cover the tournament.
For Canadian Viewers:
TSN and RDS handle World Cup coverage in Canada. TSN provides English coverage while RDS offers French broadcasts. Both networks stream through their apps. You need a cable provider login to access broadcaster apps.
Can You Watch Without Cable?
Yes. FIFA+ offers completely free streaming globally. You need no subscription or cable login. The platform works on computers, tablets, smartphones, and smart TVs. Only an internet connection is required.
The Times Square viewing party offers another option. FIFA and Global Citizen are creating a free public viewing experience in New York. Screens throughout Times Square will show the game. This serves as an alternative for fans without stadium tickets.
Times Square Viewing Party
FIFA plans a major “takeover” of Times Square for the final weekend. The iconic New York location attracts over 300,000 daily visitors. Screens, plazas, and hospitality areas transform into a World Cup hub.
Live performances will happen before and during the broadcast. The show includes four live crosses into the global broadcast. This creates a massive free viewing party in the heart of New York City. The bronze medal match on July 18 and the final on July 19 both get the Times Square treatment.
About the Venue: MetLife Stadium
MetLife Stadium sits in East Rutherford, New Jersey about 10 miles from Manhattan. The venue serves as home to the NFL’s New York Jets and New York Giants. The stadium holds 82,500 fans for World Cup matches and can expand capacity.
The venue will be renamed “New York New Jersey Stadium” during the tournament. MetLife is an outdoor stadium which means weather plays a role. July weather in New Jersey typically brings warm temperatures. Rain, wind, or extreme heat remain possibilities that organizers must plan for.
Individual tickets go on sale at the end of 2025 through FIFA’s official website. Prices have not been announced yet. Expect extremely high demand with a likely lottery system. VIP packages will be available for fans wanting premium experiences.
Who’s Behind the Show: Global Citizen and FIFA Partnership
Global Citizen will produce the first-ever World Cup final halftime show. This international advocacy organization focuses on ending extreme poverty. Their mission includes improving education access for children worldwide.
The partnership between FIFA and Global Citizen was announced in September 2024. Hugh Jackman, DJ Khaled, and Gayle King attended the announcement at the Global Citizen Festival in Central Park. The organization has deployed $43.6 billion in the past decade. Their work has impacted nearly 1.3 billion lives.
The Social Impact Mission
This halftime show serves a purpose beyond entertainment. The partnership aims to raise over $100 million by the 2026 World Cup Final. The FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund will support education in over 200 countries.
Every ticket sold to FIFA Club World Cup 2025 matches contributes $1 to the Education Fund. Fans can take action on global issues through the Global Citizen platform. Activism gets incentivized with promotions including potential opportunities to earn tickets to matches.
Historic First: Why This Matters
No World Cup final has featured a halftime show since the inaugural tournament in 1930. World Cup finals traditionally include only pre-match entertainment. The 2022 Qatar final had a closing ceremony before kickoff with performers like Gims and Ozuna.
Past World Cups became known for official anthems. Shakira’s “Waka Waka” from the 2010 tournament remains iconic. The Champions League has attempted pre-match shows with mixed results. Performers like Camila Cabello and Lenny Kravitz faced challenges engaging stadium crowds.
The tournament takes place in North America where halftime shows are deeply embedded in sports culture. FIFA embraces this American entertainment tradition while maintaining the global spirit of the World Cup. The platform provides unprecedented reach for social impact messaging to billions of viewers.
FIFA Club World Cup 2025: The Preview Event
Before the World Cup halftime show, FIFA will test the format at the Club World Cup final on July 13, 2025. The show takes place at the same MetLife Stadium venue exactly one year before the World Cup final.
This marks the first-ever FIFA Club World Cup halftime show. J Balvin, Doja Cat, and Tems will headline the performance. The Club World Cup features 32 top clubs from around the world. Global Citizen produces this show as well.
The event serves as a trial run for the larger World Cup production. Fans will see how FIFA handles stage setup, timing, and fan engagement. Organizers can make adjustments based on what works and what needs improvement.
Expected Viewership and Global Reach
The 2026 World Cup Final expects to reach over 2 billion viewers worldwide. The 2022 final between Argentina and France attracted 1.5 billion live viewers. About 5 billion people engaged with that tournament in some way.
The 2025 Super Bowl drew 133.5 million viewers for Kendrick Lamar’s halftime performance. The World Cup final reaches a far larger international audience. This makes it the most-watched sporting event in history. The platform gives Global Citizen an enormous opportunity to drive awareness on critical issues.
FAQs about the FIFA World Cup 2026 Halftime Show
What time does the halftime show start?
The exact time depends on when the first half ends. Kickoff time for the final will be announced closer to the event. Halftime typically occurs 50 to 60 minutes into the broadcast.
Who will perform at the halftime show?
Performers have not been announced yet. Chris Martin and Global Citizen are finalizing the artist lineup. Announcements are expected in early to mid 2026.
Will Coldplay perform?
No. Chris Martin and Phil Harvey only curate and produce the show. Coldplay will not perform at the halftime show.
How can I watch the halftime show?
The show will air on major broadcasters worldwide and stream free on FIFA+. Specific broadcast details will be announced in 2026.
Is this really the first World Cup halftime show ever?
Yes. In 97 years of World Cup history, no final has ever featured a halftime show during the match.
Can I still get tickets to attend in person?
Individual tickets go on sale at the end of 2025 through FIFA’s official website. Expect extremely high demand and a possible lottery system.
Mark your calendar for July 19, 2026. The World Cup Final at MetLife Stadium will deliver both world-class soccer and historic entertainment. Artist announcements will come as the tournament approaches. Check FIFA’s official website for ticket sales and the latest updates on this groundbreaking event.