The 2026 FIFA World Cup will feature its first-ever musical half-time show during the final match in New York/New Jersey, with Coldplay helping to curate the performing artists.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino announced this historic addition in partnership with Global Citizen. The show faces unique challenges with FIFA's standard 15-minute half-time period, significantly shorter than the NFL Super Bowl's 30-minute break.

Key Details:

• Location: New York/New Jersey stadium
• Additional celebrations planned for Times Square during both the bronze final and final matches
• Chris Martin and Phil Harvey of Coldplay will help select performing artists
• It's unclear if Coldplay themselves will perform
• The traditional 15-minute half-time length may need adjustment

FIFA aims to match the Super Bowl's entertainment appeal, following the success of this year's Super Bowl LIV half-time show, which drew 133.5 million viewers. The organization will also take over Times Square for the final weekend, featuring celebrations during both the third-place playoff and final matches.

While logistics regarding stage setup and performance duration within the shorter half-time period remain uncertain, this innovation marks a significant shift in World Cup entertainment strategy, potentially setting a new standard for future tournaments.

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