Historic Half-Time Show at 2026 World Cup Final
The 2026 World Cup final between Spain and Argentina at New Jersey's MetLife Stadium will be the first to feature a half-time show. This World Cup, staged jointly by the United States, Canada and Mexico, has done plenty to appeal to the American audience, but the addition of a musical performance midway through the final is perhaps the most noticeable - and controversial.
Concerns have been raised surrounding the show, which is expected to lengthen the half-time interval dramatically and disrupt the rhythm of the match.
Star-Studded Lineup Curated by Chris Martin
Six performers have been confirmed for the show, which is expected to be reminiscent of the half-time show seen annually at the NFL national championship match, the Super Bowl. World Cup president Gianni Infantino has described the show as a “groundbreaking spectacle” he expects to “celebrate football, music and our shared values, ensuring a legacy that transcends the final whistle.”
The final will also be preceded by the official World Cup closing ceremony, during which Robbie Williams and Jennifer Hudson will perform.
The World Cup final half-time show has been curated by Coldplay lead singer Chris Martin, who has assembled a star-studded cast of co-headliners. Shakira and Burna Boy co-wrote the anthem for this World Cup and will both feature. This will not be their first show of the World Cup, after they performed a lengthy curtain-raiser ahead of Canada's last-32 match with South Africa. Pop legends Madonna and Justin Bieber will feature in the show, as will K-pop sensations BTS and Venezuelan orchestra conductor Gustavo Dudamel, of the prestigious New York Philharmonic.
Extended Half-Time Duration Raises Eyebrows
Broadcasters are reportedly braced for half-time of Spain vs Argentina to last as long as half an hour, with the show itself expected to run for around 11 minutes. The laws of the game stipulate that a half-time break must not last any longer than 15 minutes, though the fact that the half-time show will take place on the pitch will extend the interval as the show is set up and broken down.
Last year's Club World Cup final also staged a half-time show, which saw the break run for 24 minutes. That show took place in the stands, though, reducing the need for on-pitch work.
Broadcast Details
The World Cup final will be broadcast simultaneously by the BBC and ITV, and both broadcasters are expected to platform the half-time show. Viewers can follow the action live via BBC One and ITV1, or via BBC iPlayer and ITVX. The show is expected to begin promptly after the first half's conclusion.
