The World Cup introduces its first halftime show
The FIFA World Cup Final will include its first “Super Bowl-style halftime show during the championship match between Spain and Argentina on Sunday, July 19. The event will feature performances by BTS, Justin Bieber, Shakira, and Madonna. Other artists joining the lineup include Burna Boy, conductor Gustavo Dudamel, and New York’s PS 22 Chorus alongside Coldplay. Coldplay frontman Chris Martin curated the show, and it will support the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund, a landmark initiative working to raise USD $100 million to expand access to quality education and football for children worldwide.
“The FIFA World Cup brings the world together in a way nothing else can. I’m grateful to be part of this Halftime Show, and even more grateful knowing it’s already helping expand access to education for children around the world,” Justin Bieber said in a statement, as the latest artist being added to the halftime show’s lineup.
Today's the day! ⚽
Argentina and Spain take the field, while @justinbieber, @Madonna, @shakira, @burnaboy, @BTS_twt, @GustavoDudamel, and @PS22Chorus featuring @coldplay take the stage for the first-ever FIFA World Cup 2026™ Final Halftime Show.
It all kicks off at 3 PM ET.… pic.twitter.com/8URxx4TcyU
— Global Citizen ⭕ (@GlblCtzn) July 19, 2026
FIFA originally announced that the performances would last about 11 minutes, but reports from The Athletic suggest it could run for around 20 minutes. However, the International Football Association Board (IFAB) has said that halftime should not exceed 15 minutes. As per its rulebook, the break time can be adjusted “only with the referee’s permission.
When do the final match and halftime show begin?
Fans in the United States can watch the World Cup Final and halftime show live on Fox, which will air the match in English. People without cable can access Fox using live television streaming services such as DirecTV, Fubo, and Hulu + Live TV. Meanwhile, Spanish language coverage will be available on Telemundo, while Peacock will stream the match for Spanish-speaking audiences. The final match begins at 3 p.m. ET from New York New Jersey Stadium, the FIFA name for MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. Then, the halftime show is expected to begin shortly after the first half at around 4 p.m. ET, depending on the flow of the match.
