Soccer’s grandest stage is about to get a fresh twist. In a move that’s stirring both excitement and skepticism, FIFA President Gianni Infantino has confirmed that the 2026 World Cup final at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey will feature a halftime show for the first time. This departure from the game’s longstanding tradition has left many fans wondering how this will alter the flow of one of the world’s most-watched matches.
“I can confirm the first ever halftime show at a FIFA World Cup final in New York New Jersey, in association with Global Citizen,” Infantino said when announcing the plans. “This will be a historic moment for the FIFA World Cup and a show befitting the biggest sporting event in the world.” Infantino has also hinted at a “Times Square takeover,” meaning the fanfare will spread beyond the stadium to the heart of New York City during the tournament’s final weekend.
Some are concerned that this spectacle, likely to last longer than the standard 15-minute halftime break, could disrupt players’ routines. Yet the idea behind this initiative is to add another layer of energy to a match that already commands a global spotlight. FIFA hasn’t confirmed any changes to the official break, and it remains to be seen if teams need to adjust to a longer pause.
Coldplay set to add creative touch
Coldplay’s Chris Martin and Phil Harvey will help develop the lineup for the halftime show, though the band hasn’t said whether it will take the stage. The group’s involvement suggests a performance that blends high-profile musical acts with a global message. FIFA has partnered with the advocacy organization Global Citizen, and Infantino has praised their team for its commitment to using entertainment as a platform for greater social impact.
MetLife Stadium, typically the home of the New York Giants and Jets, will be temporarily renamed New York New Jersey Stadium during the World Cup. The final is set for July 19, 2026, capping a tournament that will, for the first time, include 48 teams. That expansion raises its own logistical challenges, but introducing a halftime show could prove just as transformative.
Critics argue that this change edges the World Cup closer to the NFL’s Super Bowl model, emphasizing music and marketing. Defenders of the move note that soccer needs to keep growing and engage new audiences, especially with this North American-hosted tournament. Whether it’s a sign of evolving priorities or acknowledging the power of big-ticket entertainment, the decision marks a clear shift from soccer’s typical format.
Some will love the spectacle, others may miss the tradition. Oh well. However, as Infantino and Coldplay plan a performance that could reach an audience in the billions, the 2026 World Cup final will certainly make history in more ways than one.
