Coldplay to Curate First-Ever FIFA World Cup Final Halftime Show in 2026

British band and frontman Chris Martin will help produce the inaugural entertainment event at the 2026 World Cup final.

Apr. 18, 2026 at 11:17am

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FIFA has announced that the 2026 World Cup final will feature the tournament's first-ever halftime entertainment show, with the British band Coldplay and lead singer Chris Martin set to help curate the event. The final, scheduled for July 19, 2026, at MetLife Stadium in New York, will mark the debut of this new halftime show tradition at the world's biggest soccer championship.

Why it matters

This move represents a significant shift for FIFA, which has traditionally kept the World Cup final focused solely on the match itself without any major entertainment programming. Bringing in a globally popular act like Coldplay signals FIFA's desire to attract a wider audience and create a more spectacle-driven event around the final.

The details

Details about Coldplay's specific role and the format of the halftime show have not yet been released, but FIFA has stated that the band and Chris Martin will have a major creative influence over the production. The goal is to deliver a high-energy, visually stunning performance that will captivate viewers around the world during the final's halftime intermission.

  • The 2026 World Cup final is scheduled for July 19, 2026.
  • This will mark the first time the World Cup final features a halftime entertainment show.

The players

Coldplay

A popular British rock band known for hits like 'Viva la Vida' and 'Paradise'. The band has a global fanbase and is known for their elaborate concert productions.

Chris Martin

The lead singer and co-founder of Coldplay, Martin is one of the most recognizable frontmen in contemporary music.

FIFA

The international governing body of association football, futsal, and beach soccer. FIFA organizes the World Cup, the premier international men's football tournament.

MetLife Stadium

A large outdoor stadium located in East Rutherford, New Jersey, that will host the 2026 World Cup final.

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What they’re saying

“We're thrilled to be part of this historic moment for the World Cup. Our team is working hard to create an unforgettable halftime experience that celebrates the global reach of football.”

— Chris Martin, Coldplay Frontman

“Introducing a halftime show for the World Cup final is an exciting new chapter that will help us reach new audiences and make the event even more spectacular.”

— Gianni Infantino, FIFA President

What’s next

FIFA is expected to announce further details about the Coldplay-curated halftime show, including the specific musical acts, choreography, and production elements, in the coming months.

The takeaway

The addition of a high-profile halftime entertainment show for the World Cup final represents FIFA's efforts to evolve the tournament into a more globally appealing media event. By bringing in a band as popular as Coldplay, the governing body is hoping to attract casual viewers and music fans who may not typically tune in for the soccer match alone.