DALLAS — Chris Martin, the lead vocalist of Coldplay, is collaborating with FIFA to organize an inaugural halftime show for the World Cup final, mirroring the style of the Super Bowl halftime extravaganza. The event will take place at the MetLife Stadium, temporarily referred to as New York New Jersey Stadium, on July 19, 2026. The tournament is set to be co-hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada. Alongside the halftime show, FIFA President Gianni Infantino announced plans for a significant event takeover in Times Square for the final weekend of the tournament.
Infantino declared via social media that this plan marks a groundbreaking initiative for the World Cup, aiming to deliver an entertainment experience that complements the grandeur of the globe’s most significant sporting event. He emphasized the historic nature of this halftime show, which is being organized in partnership with Global Citizen, an advocacy organization known for its worldwide initiatives. Although Infantino did not specify if Coldplay would perform at the event, he mentioned Martin and Phil Harvey, Coldplay’s manager, will play crucial roles in selecting the lineup of artists.
Infantino expressed gratitude toward Chris Martin and Phil Harvey for their commitment to collaborating with FIFA on this venture. They are responsible for curating the roster of performers who will take the stage during the halftime show and at the Times Square spectacle. However, he did not specify whether the halftime show would necessitate a duration extension beyond the traditional 15 minutes. The endeavor highlights FIFA’s ambition to create an entertainment spectacle that pairs seamlessly with the excitement of the World Cup final.
