Coldplay to Produce Halftime Show at World Cup 2026 Final
The World Cup 2026 final will feature a musical halftime show, similar to the Super Bowl. This is a first in the history of the World Cup. FIFA President Gianni Infantino has confirmed that Coldplay will play a key role in producing this event. This article delves into the plans, organization, and what football fans can expect.
A Historic First for the World Cup
The World Cup has never had a halftime show before. That changes in 2026, as a musical act will perform during the final at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. This initiative comes from a collaboration between FIFA and Global Citizen. Coldplay, led by Chris Martin and Phil Harvey, will assist in selecting artists and producing the show.
The Influence of the Super Bowl on World Cup 2026
The idea of adding a halftime show to the World Cup final is inspired by the Super Bowl. This American sporting event attracts millions of viewers each year, partly due to its spectacular halftime performances. Previous Super Bowl halftime shows have featured major names such as:
With this inspiration in mind, FIFA aims to deliver a show that matches the grandeur of the World Cup final.
Coldplay’s Role in the Halftime Show
Coldplay already gained experience with a halftime show at the Super Bowl in 2016, performing alongside Bruno Mars and Beyoncé. However, for World Cup 2026, they will not perform but rather assist in curating the lineup. The exact artists have not yet been announced, but expectations are high for globally renowned acts.
Challenges of a Halftime Show During a World Cup Final
A key question is how the halftime show will fit within the usual 15-minute break. In American football, halftime lasts longer, allowing for more elaborate shows. FIFA has not yet confirmed whether the standard break time will be extended to accommodate the performance.
Another aspect is logistics. At the Super Bowl, setting up and dismantling the stage takes considerable time. This could be a challenge for a World Cup final, where the primary focus remains on the football match.
Times Square as an Additional Festival Venue
In addition to the halftime show, FIFA is planning a fan festival in Times Square, New York. During the final weekend of World Cup 2026, football fans will gather there to watch the matches and enjoy entertainment. This applies to both the third-place playoff and the grand final. The festival aims to enhance the World Cup experience and create a global atmosphere.
A New Dimension to the World Cup Final
The addition of a halftime show to the World Cup 2026 final marks a historic moment in football. Inspired by the Super Bowl, FIFA aims to deliver a spectacular show fitting for such a prestigious event. Coldplay will play a key role in production and artist selection, while Times Square will serve as an extra festival venue for football fans. Although logistical challenges remain, this promises to be an exciting addition to the world's biggest football tournament.
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The World Cup 2026 final will feature a Super Bowl-style halftime show. Coldplay will help produce this historic event at MetLife Stadium.
About the author
Author of this content is Patrick. I have been playing soccer for more than 25 years and follow the daily news closely. My hobbies include playing football, running and maintaining various websites, in addition to my job as a financial professional.
I do not work for any related company or institution, so the information is reliable and independent. The information has been collected accurately from reliable sources and is regularly updated.