Super Bowl-Style at the 2026 World Cup? FIFA announces the entertainment plans for the Final in the US

Get ready for an unforgettable halftime experience at the 2026 World Cup Final! FIFA is breaking from tradition by introducing a "Super Bowl-like" spectacle at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, but with a twist.

This bold decision is part of FIFA's effort to elevate the World Cup’s presence in the U.S., where soccer continues to grow in popularity. Set for July 19, 2026, the halftime show promises to be a longer, high-energy event, featuring a mix of artists and musical genres that reflect soccer's global appeal. With 1.5 billion viewers tuning in to the 2022 World Cup Final, FIFA is ready to make history with a halftime show that rivals the best in entertainment.

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What will be the change for the FIFA 2026 World Cup?

Soccer fans, get ready for a major change. FIFA is making waves for the 2026 World Cup Final at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, promising a halftime show that could rival the Super Bowl's star-studded spectacle—but without Jay-Z’s involvement. FIFA President Gianni Infantino revealed this game-changing "Super Bowl-like" event on March 5, signaling a shift from tradition and introducing a fresh vibe to the world's biggest soccer stage.

“I can confirm the first-ever halftime show at a FIFA World Cup final in New York/New Jersey,” Infantino posted on Instagram. “This will be a historic moment for the FIFA World Cup and a show worthy of the biggest sporting event in the world.”

Unlike the NFL, which has leaned on Jay-Z's Roc Nation for its star-studded halftime shows (featuring artists like Kendrick Lamar and Rihanna) since 2019, FIFA is charting a new path. The global soccer body has enlisted Coldplay's Chris Martin to curate the entertainment, stepping away from Roc Nation’s hip-hop influence.

Imagine this: a diverse artist lineup, a longer-than-usual halftime (exceeding the standard 15 minutes), and an electric global party atmosphere at New Jersey's stadium on July 19, 2026. This marks a bold shift for soccer, a sport that typically keeps its halftime shows understated compared to the Super Bowl's 30-minute extravaganzas.

Why the shift in the FIFA 2026 World Cup Final?

With the U.S. co-hosting the 2026 World Cup alongside Canada and Mexico, FIFA sees a prime chance to boost soccer's popularity in the States, especially as Lionel Messi continues to create a buzz in the MLS. While the full details are still under wraps, FIFA has teased a “list of artists” to keep fans excited.

“We’re working with Chris Martin to make this unforgettable,” Infantino teased, hinting at a musical style that may incorporate Coldplay’s stadium-rock vibe. Fans are already speculating on social media, with some debating how the World Cup halftime show could outshine the NFL’s.

The Super Bowl has long set the bar for halftime entertainment, with Usher’s 2024 performance drawing 129 million viewers, but FIFA is ready to showcase its own muscle. With 1.5 billion people tuning in to the 2022 World Cup Final, according to FIFA, they have the audience to make it happen.

By skipping Jay-Z’s influence, FIFA is starting with a blank slate, potentially blending soccer’s global flavor with pop, rock, or even local Jersey vibes.