2026 World Cup Final to Feature Extended Halftime Show with Star-Studded Lineup

The 2026 FIFA World Cup final is set to break with tradition by introducing a comprehensive halftime show for the first time in the tournament’s history. Scheduled for Sunday, July 19, at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, the event will feature a co-headlining lineup of global music icons, including Justin Bieber, Madonna, Shakira, and K-pop group BTS.

The entertainment roster will also feature performances by Afro-fusion artist Burna Boy, Venezuelan conductor Gustavo Dudamel, and British rock band Coldplay, who will perform alongside the PS22 Chorus. Additional appearances by characters from Sesame Street and the Muppets are planned to round out the spectacle.

While standard international regulations typically limit halftime intermissions to 15 minutes, FIFA has approved an extension to between 20 and 30 minutes to accommodate the elaborate production. The event will air on Fox Corporation (FOXA) and Telemundo, with streaming available on Peacock.

Fox Corporation, the media giant holding the English-language broadcast rights, recently saw its stock trade at $55.99. The company operates extensive cable network programming and television segments centered on sports and news content. The championship match is expected to draw a massive global viewership, providing significant exposure for the broadcaster.

Beyond the performances, the halftime show is anchored by a philanthropic initiative supporting the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund. The campaign aims to raise $100 million to provide educational and soccer opportunities for children in underserved communities. FIFA has committed to donating $1 from every ticket sold across all World Cup matches, helping secure over $50 million already.

What to watch

• Broadcast ratings: Viewership numbers for the final on Fox and Telemundo will serve as a key indicator of advertising demand for future major sporting events.
• Ad revenue: Fox Corporation’s quarterly earnings may detail the financial impact of hosting the World Cup Final, particularly regarding premium advertising slots sold during the extended halftime show.

Source: original release