FIFA Announces Historic Halftime Show for 2026 World Cup Final

Gianni Infantino reveals first-ever live entertainment at soccer's biggest match

Apr. 16, 2026 at 10:45am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

An abstract, energetic painting featuring vibrant brushstrokes of neon colors that capture the dynamic movement and intensity of a soccer match, with players' forms dissolving into unrecognizable shapes.The first-ever halftime show at the World Cup final promises to bring a new level of entertainment and spectacle to soccer's biggest stage.NYC Today

FIFA President Gianni Infantino has announced that the 2026 World Cup final on July 19 in New York/New Jersey will feature the first-ever halftime show in the history of the tournament. This marks a significant change to the traditional format of the championship match.

Why it matters

The addition of a halftime show is a major shift for the World Cup, which has historically maintained a more solemn and focused atmosphere around the final match. This move is seen as an effort by FIFA to attract a wider audience and create a more entertainment-driven spectacle around the climactic event.

The details

Infantino announced the news during a talk at the Semafor World Economy Summit in Washington, stating that the halftime show will bring live music and other performances to engage fans during the break in play. This represents a major departure from the World Cup's previous format, which has typically featured only brief intermission activities.

  • The 2026 World Cup final will take place on July 19 in the New York/New Jersey area.

The players

Gianni Infantino

The current President of FIFA, the international governing body of association football, futsal, and beach soccer.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“For the first time in history, we will have a half-time show at the World Cup final on 19 July in New York/New Jersey.”

— Gianni Infantino, FIFA President

What’s next

FIFA is expected to announce further details about the halftime show performers and production in the coming months as the 2026 World Cup approaches.

The takeaway

The inclusion of a halftime show at the World Cup final represents a major shift in the tournament's format, signaling FIFA's efforts to modernize the event and attract a wider global audience beyond traditional soccer fans.