World Cup 2026 final to host first-ever halftime show
FIFA is set to stage a first-ever halftime show during the World Cup final between Spain and Argentina, drawing inspiration from the Super Bowl.
Photo: Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 3.0 / Author: Danilo Borges/ copa2014.gov.br Licença Creative Commons Atribuição 3.0 Brasil
The World Cup final between Spain and Argentina is set to become a historic spectacle. FIFA has confirmed that, for the first time in tournament history, a halftime show will take place on the pitch, borrowing a page from the NFL's Super Bowl tradition.
Curated by Chris Martin of Coldplay, the event will feature an impressive lineup including Shakira, Justin Bieber, Burna Boy, BTS, Madonna, and conductor Gustavo Dudamel. The performance is tied to the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund, aimed at expanding football and educational opportunities for children globally.
While FIFA has not finalized the duration, sources suggest the break could last around 20 minutes. This is a point of contention, as IFAB rules generally restrict halftime to 15 minutes. Coaches have previously expressed concern that extended breaks can lead to players losing physical conditioning and "cooling down" too much during the pause.
Technical execution also remains a concern. Unlike previous stadium maintenance routines, the need to quickly erect and remove a stage presents a risk to the integrity of the playing surface. FIFA has provided limited details on how it will manage the pitch maintenance alongside the performance.
Despite the criticism from sporting traditionalists, major broadcasters including ITV and BBC plan to air the show in full. The move signals FIFA's intent to broaden the World Cup's appeal by blending elite football with global sports entertainment culture.