Brandon Fletcher
FIFA is introducing the first Super Bowl-style halftime show for the World Cup final, featuring an impressive lineup of artists.
Headlining the performance on Sunday during the final match between Spain and Argentina at New York New Jersey Stadium are Justin Bieber, BTS, Madonna, and Shakira. Additional performances will include Burna Boy, renowned conductor Gustavo Dudamel, and the PS22 Chorus with Coldplay. Fans can also expect appearances from beloved characters from Sesame Street and The Muppets. The show is thoughtfully curated by Coldplay’s frontman, Chris Martin.
When Does the World Cup Halftime Show Start?
The World Cup final is set to commence on Sunday, July 19, at 3 p.m. ET, with the halftime show expected to kick off around 3:45 to 3:50 p.m. ET, contingent upon the match starting as scheduled and without significant delays. FIFA and Global Citizen have not specified an exact time for the performance, as soccer does not have a designated break like American football. The first half is 45 minutes long, but stoppage time might extend the halftime duration slightly.
Fans primarily interested in the musical performances should tune in before 3:45 to ensure they don’t miss the beginning of the show.
The halftime performance will run for 11 minutes; however, the entire halftime break may be substantially longer, as staging setup and teardown will require additional time. Broadcasters are anticipating that the typical 15-minute halftime could extend to as much as 30 minutes.
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Not everyone is supportive of this potential extension, particularly considering the sport’s traditions. The International Football Association Board, which governs soccer rules, typically restricts halftime to 15 minutes. They even dismissed a proposal in 2021 to increase it to 25 minutes, citing concerns over player health and the risks associated with prolonged inactivity.
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Some enthusiasts view the extended halftime as an effort to transform the World Cup into an American-style spectacle akin to the Super Bowl, where entertainment and controversial commercial breaks might overshadow the game itself.
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Where to Watch the World Cup Halftime Show Live
The halftime show will be featured as part of the World Cup final broadcast. English-speaking viewers can catch the coverage on Fox, while the game is available for streaming on Fox One and the Fox Sports app. Fox’s pregame programming starts at noon ET, three hours prior to kickoff.
Spanish-speaking audiences can tune in via Telemundo and stream the event on Peacock. Subscribers to Peacock Premium and Premium Plus can access all 104 World Cup matches live in Spanish, including the final and the halftime show. For additional viewing options, check out Mashable’s guide to watching the 2026 World Cup online for free, which offers tips for international viewers and VPN users.
This halftime show is dedicated to supporting the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund, which aims to raise $100 million to enhance educational opportunities and soccer initiatives for children globally. FIFA reports that over $50 million has already been raised, including $1 contributed from every ticket sold during the tournament.
Daniel Mercer
