The 2026 FIFA World Cup will feature its first-ever musical half-time show, with Coldplay helping to select the performing artists. FIFA President Gianni Infantino made the announcement as part of broader plans to enhance the tournament's entertainment value.

The performance will face unique challenges due to the FIFA World Cup's 15-minute half-time duration, significantly shorter than the NFL Super Bowl's 30-minute break. This compressed timeframe must accommodate both stage setup and the actual performance.

FIFA has partnered with Global Citizen for the event, which will take place during the final match in New York/New Jersey. Additional celebrations are planned for Times Square during both the bronze final and championship matches.

Chris Martin and Coldplay manager Phil Harvey will collaborate with FIFA to finalize the performer lineup. While their involvement in the selection process is confirmed, it remains unclear whether Coldplay themselves will perform or if the standard half-time duration will be extended.

The initiative aims to boost viewership numbers, following the success of events like Super Bowl LIV, whose half-time show attracted 133.5 million viewers. This marks a significant shift in World Cup entertainment strategy, bringing it closer to the American sports entertainment model.

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