In case there are still any doubts about what sports entertainment looks like in the United States, just look to the 2026 FIFA World Cup final for the host nation’s influence.For the first time in tournament history, FIFA is staging a full scale halftime show at the World Cup final. The new addition reflects past entertainment features of the NFL and the Super Bowl, and includes an expanded performance schedule and lineup of co-headliners. That’s right, there’s not one superstar on the marquee, but several, and there will be featured artists as well. There will even be cameos from legendary American cultural icons, The Muppets, and Sesame Street characters, who helped make the halftime show announcement a few months ago.The large scale production was revealed back in May and will be curated by Coldplay’s Chris Martin. The show is also in collaboration with Global Citizen, in support of FIFA’s Global Citizen Fund, to raise $100 million for “access to quality education and football opportunities” for children across the world.So, who is actually performing, and why? And where can you watch? We’ve got you covered, just like the three separate opening ceremonies did at the beginning of the tournament.When is the World Cup halftime show?The 2026 FIFA World Cup final is scheduled for a kickoff at 3 p.m. ET on Sunday, July 19, between Spain and Argentina at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. The World Cup halftime show should, in theory, begin during the halftime break of the match.While soccer typically has two 45-minute halves, with a 15-minute halftime break, this year’s tournament has incorporated mandatory hydration breaks during each half. So the halftime show may begin its setup roughly around 3:45 p.m. ET, depending on the stoppage time of the first half.Borrowing a page from the NFL’s Super Bowl entertainment playbook, FIFA is offically expanding the overall time of the halftime period. Instead of the typical 15 minute pause in play, the 2026 World Cup final halftime is now expanded to 30 minutes to account for entertainment stage setups and breakdowns.Who is performing?In true FIFA spirit, the halftime show has something for everyone. From lovers of pop music, sung in English, Spanish, and Korean, to fluffy puppets. To haters of fun and joy, everyone can tune in and enjoy, or pass weird judgments if that’s your thing.During the May announcement, Coldplay’s Chris Martin revealed preliminary performers with Sesame Street’s Cookie Monster and Elmo, The Muppets’ Kermit the Frog, and Ms. Piggy. The three main headliners were Shakira, Madonna, and BTS.
Madonna, Shakira and BTS will co-headline the first-ever FIFA World Cup™ Final Halftime Show at the New York New Jersey Stadium on July 19. Curated by Coldplay’s Chris Martin and produced by Global Citizen, the show will raise funds for the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund,… pic.twitter.com/rRd5NzypY7
— Global Citizen ⭕ (@GlblCtzn) May 14, 2026
