A Super Bowl‑Style Moment for the World Cup
For the first time in tournament history, the FIFA World Cup Final will feature a full halftime show, transforming the global championship into a Super Bowl‑scale entertainment event. The show debuts on Sunday, July 19, 2026, during the Argentina vs Spain final at New York–New Jersey Stadium. Curated by Coldplay’s Chris Martin, the performance marks a major shift from the traditional 15‑minute interval, extending halftime to roughly 25 minutes to accommodate a star‑packed lineup.
A Global Citizen–FIFA Collaboration
The halftime show is part of a Global Citizen partnership designed to raise $100 million for the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund. The initiative supports youth education and soccer access worldwide, blending entertainment with philanthropy. Organizers expect the broadcast to become “the most‑viewed entertainment event in history,” underscoring the scale of the production and the worldwide reach of the World Cup final.
A Star‑Studded Performer Lineup
The co‑headliners bring together some of the biggest names in global music. Madonna, Shakira, Justin Bieber, and BTS anchor the show, creating a cross‑genre, cross‑continent performance roster. Burna Boy, who also performed at the opening ceremony, returns for a special appearance. Gustavo Dudamel will conduct a combined orchestra featuring musicians from the New York Philharmonic and the Simón Bolívar Symphony Orchestra.
The PS22 Chorus joins Coldplay, Emmanuel Kelly, the Ghetto Kids, and Sesame Street’s Kermit and Miss Piggy for family‑friendly segments. Shakira and Burna Boy’s set will highlight the Ugandan Ghetto Kids, adding cultural depth and global representation.
Timing and Broadcast Details
The halftime show is scheduled to begin between 3:45 and 3:55 p.m. ET, depending on stoppage time. The extended 25‑minute performance will air live on FOX and Telemundo in the United States, with streaming available on FOX One and Telemundo’s digital platforms. Canadian viewers can watch on TSN, CTV, Crave, and RDS, with streaming on the TSN and RDS apps. In the UK, the show airs on ITV and BBC, with digital access on BBC iPlayer and the ITV app.
A separate closing ceremony begins 90 minutes before kickoff at 1:30 p.m. ET, featuring Post Malone, Tom Cruise, Robbie Williams, Laura Pausini, Nicole Scherzinger, and IShowSpeed.
What Fans Can Expect
The show is designed as a global celebration, merging music, culture, and social impact. Expect high‑energy performances, international collaborations, and surprise moments tailored for a worldwide audience. With artists from multiple continents and a charitable mission at its core, the halftime show aims to redefine how the world experiences the World Cup final.
