By Parrot Newspaper 
FIFA Enlists Coldplay’s Chris Martin to Curate First-Ever World Cup Halftime Show
FIFA is set to introduce a major entertainment shift for the 2026 World Cup final by featuring a halftime show for the first time in the tournament’s history. The football governing body has appointed Coldplay’s Chris Martin and Phil Harvey to curate a lineup of artists for the historic performance, which will take place on July 19, 2026, at MetLife Stadium in New York-New Jersey.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino confirmed the development at a press conference in Dallas, stating that the initiative is being carried out in collaboration with Global Citizen, a social action platform that Coldplay has frequently partnered with for global events.
“I can confirm the first-ever halftime show at a FIFA World Cup final, 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 announced.
The decision signals FIFA’s ambition to blend football with global entertainment, similar to how the NFL has transformed the Super Bowl halftime show into a must-watch cultural phenomenon. The NFL has partnered with Jay-Z’s Roc Nation to curate high-profile performances featuring some of the biggest artists in the world. FIFA is now adopting a similar model with Martin and Harvey, though it remains unclear whether Coldplay will be part of the final show lineup.
Traditionally, football matches have a 15-minute halftime break, which barely allows time for major performances. However, FIFA is considering extending the intermission for the World Cup final to accommodate a large-scale musical spectacle. The move is expected to boost engagement and attract a broader global audience beyond football enthusiasts.
With Coldplay’s track record of delivering massive live performances, anticipation is already building for what could be a game-changing entertainment moment in football history. If executed successfully, the World Cup halftime show could become a permanent feature in future tournaments, further solidifying football’s place in global pop culture.