FIFA break tradition by announcing massive never-before-seen change to 2026 World Cup final and it could be very controversial
FIFA president Gianni Infantino has confirmed that the 2026 World Cup final in New Jersey will break with tradition and feature a never-seen-before addition to the showpiece event.
The 23rd edition of the FIFA World Cup will take place across North America, with the United States, Canada and Mexico hosting the first ever expanded 48-team tournament.
It was announced in February 2024 that the 82,500 capacity MetLife Stadium in New Jersey – a venue that also staged the 2016 Copa America final – would be the location for the final on July 19, 2026.
As well as the location, Gianni Infantino has confirmed that the World Cup final will have a Super Bowl-style halftime show featuring "a list of artists" that will be finalised, in part, by Coldplay pair Chris Martin and Phil Harvey.
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Taking to Instagram on Wednesday morning, the FIFA president posted an update following a convention in Dallas, Texas.
"It was my pleasure to speak with friends and colleagues attending the FIFA World Cup 26™️: FIFA Commercial & Media Partners Convention in Dallas, where we discussed some very exciting plans for the biggest-ever FIFA World Cup in 2026," said Infantino.
"I can confirm the first ever half-time show at a FIFA World Cup final in New York New Jersey, in association with Global Citizen. This will be a historic moment for the FIFA World Cup and a show befitting the biggest sporting event in the world."
Infantino also revealed plans for a "Times Square takeover" in New York across the final weekend.
At the time of writing, no plans have emerged regarding an extended half-time interval to accommodate the show. A half-time break in football typically lasts for just 15 minutes.
He added: "We also spoke about how FIFA will takeover Times Square for the final weekend of the FIFA World Cup in 2026, during both the bronze final match and final.
"These will be two incredible matches, featuring some of the best players in the world, and what better way to celebrate them than in the historic Times Square in New York City.
"My thanks of course to Global Citizen CEO Hugh Evans and his incredible team, for helping us put together these amazing shows. I also want to thank Chris Martin and Phil Harvey of Coldplay, who will be working with us at FIFA to finalise the list of artists who will perform during the half time show, as well as at Times Square."
The 2026 World Cup will take place from June 11 to July 19, 2026, and will be jointly hosted by 16 cities – including Dallas, Miami, Atlanta and Kansas City – in three North American countries.
Topics: FIFA, FIFA World Cup, Gianni Infantino, England, Spain, France
Jack Kenmare