Gianni Infantino: FIFA World Cup 2026 final set to have half-time show | OneFootball

FIFA president Gianni Infantino says the 2026 World Cup final is set to have a NFL Super Bowl-styled half-time show for the first time.

The 23rd edition of the tournament, which will be co-hosted by the USA, Canada and Mexico, commences on Thursday 11th June, before concluding with the final on Sunday 19th July at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.

Pre-match performances at sporting finals such as the Champions League final have become common, with there being numerous stunning visual events prior to the players entering the pitch at the World Cup finals in Qatar in 2022. This would be the first time a World Cup final there has never been a half-time show at a

Half-times in the regular NFL season usually last around 15 minutes, but they are extended up to 30 minutes at the Super Bowl in order to accommodate the half-time show.

In a post on Instagram, FIFA president Infantino wrote: “I can confirm the first ever half-time show at a Fifa World Cup final in New York New Jersey.

“This will be a historic moment for the Fifa World Cup and a show befitting the biggest sporting event in the world.”

The FIFA chief said he will be working alongside key members of Coldplay such as leader singer Chris Martin to finalise the show’s line-up, while also confirming plans to make the World Cup prominent in the United States:

“We also spoke about how FIFA will take over Times Square for the final weekend of the FIFA World Cup in 2026, during both the bronze final match and final,” Infantino said.

“These will be two incredible matches, featuring some of the best players in the world, and what better way to celebrate them than in the historic Times Square in New York City.”

Rap artist Kendrick Lamar headlined this year’s Super Bowl half-time show in New Orleans, which drew record audience figures of 133.5m across the United States.

Super Bowl half-time shows are usually allocated around 25-30 minutes to allow the various stages and equipment to be built and dismantled.