Who is performing at the World Cup final half-time show and how long will it last?

Open menu

OneFootball's home page

Settings

Evening Standard

17 July 2026

Coldplay lead singer has curated controversial show

The 2026

World Cup

final

between Spain and Argentina

at New Jersey’s MetLife Stadium will be the first to feature a half-time show.

This

, staged jointly by the United States, Canada and Mexico, has done plenty to appeal to the American audience, but the addition of a musical performance midway through the final is perhaps the most noticeable - and controversial.

Concerns have been raised surrounding the show, which is expected to lengthen the half-time interval dramatically and disrupt the rhythm of the match.

Six performers have been confirmed for the show, which is expected to be reminiscent of the half-time show seen annually at the NFL national championship match, the Super Bowl.

World Cup president Gianni Infantino has described the show as a “groundbreaking spectacle” he expects to “celebrate football, music and our shared values, ensuring a legacy that transcends the final whistle.”

The final will also be preceded by the official

closing ceremony, during which Robbie Williams and Jennifer Hudson will perform.

Here is everything you need to know about the 2026

final half-time show...

The

final half-time show has been curated by Coldplay lead singer

Chris Martin

, who has assembled a star-studded cast of co-headliners.

Shakira

and

Burna Boy

co-wrote the anthem for this

and will both feature. This will not be their first show of the

, after they performed a lengthy curtain-raiser ahead of Canada’s last-32 match with South Africa.

Pop legends Madonna and

Justin Bieber

will feature in the show, as will K-pop sensations

BTS

and Venezuelan orchestra conductor Gustavo Dudamel, of the prestigious New York Philharmonic.

Sunday will not be Shakira’s first time performing at this World Cup

AFP/Getty

Broadcasters are reportedly braced for half-time of

Spain

Argentina

to last as long as half an hour, with the show itself expected to run for around 11 minutes.

The laws of the game stipulate that a half-time break must not last any longer than 15 minutes, though the fact that the half-time show will take place on the pitch will extend the interval as the show is set up and broken down.

Last year’s Club

final also staged a half-time show, which saw the break run for 24 minutes. That show took place in the stands, though, reducing the need for on-pitch work.

final will be broadcast simultaneously by the BBC and ITV, and both broadcasters are expected to platform the half-time show.

Viewers can follow the action live via BBC One and ITV1, or via BBC iPlayer and ITVX. The show is expected to begin promptly after the first half’s conclusion.

Two giant screens in Castelló for Spain v Argentina World Cup final

OffsAIde

How the Messi y Lamine photo went viral before Spain v Argentina World Cup final

Maximum caution with Lamine Yamal before Spain’s 2026 World Cup final against Argentina

Argentina’s Grit Meets Spain’s Elegance In World Cup Final Clash

World Football Index

Spain vs. Argentina: Fast facts about 2026 World Cup final

Major League Soccer

Predicting which clubs the summer's biggest free agents will sign for

There are still some massive names who are set to become free agents in the summer, with some high-profile deals due to expire at the end of next month.As speculation...

Tottenham: Why James Maddison was not awarded a penalty against Leeds as Premier League issue statement

Spurs midfielder denied a big moment on his return from injuryThe Premier League has explained why Tottenham were not awarded a penalty in their draw against Leeds.As the clock ticked...

Bento's howler delays CR7's first title in Saudi Arabia 😱

An ugly mistake by Brazilian goalkeeper Bento prevented Al-Nassr from winning the Saudi League title this Tuesday.Cristiano Ronaldo’s team was leading 1-0 until the 53rd minute of the second half,...