The World Cup 2026 final is drawing closer with Spain booking their place in Sunday’s match in New Jersey after a fine display to beat France 2-0.
England battle Argentina in tonight’s other semi-final in Atlanta to decide the other finalist.
But Fifa President Gianni Infantino has modernised the tournament with influence from its co-hosts United States and the way some of its biggest sporting events operate, including the Super Bowl in the NFL.
This will mean a half-time show appealing to more forms of culture and new fans.
Here’s everything you need to know about the Fifa World Cup 2026 final half-time show:
When and where is the half-time show?
The half-time show will be on Sunday, 19 July 2026 at New York New Jersey Stadium, USA, the location for the final match, with kick-off set at 8pm BST (3pm ET), the half-time show is due to start from 8:50pm BST (3:50pm ET), with stoppage time and additional time to set up the stage and infrastructure perhaps leading to a start time after 9pm BST (4pm ET).
How long will the half-time show last?
Sources tell the Independent that the show will be around 20 minutes. There is the prospect of the usual 15-minute half-time break, followed by the planned 11-minute show, with Infantino emphasising the figure is inspired by 11 players on the pitch for each team.
Due to the laws of the game, governed by Ifab (the International Football Association Board), it is understood half-time breaks should “not exceed15 minutes,” but Sunday is due to break that law.
There is a precedent set from last year’s Club World Cup final between eventual winners Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain, which was also organised by Fifa and held in the same venue in New Jersey. That show lasted 24 minutes, with Coldplay, J Balvin, Doja Cat, Tems and Emmanuel Kelly featuring.
Where can I watch the half-time show?
The game is on both BBC and ITV in the UK, with ITV revealing that it will broadcast the entire World Cup half-time show at the New York New Jersey Stadium, as well as match analysis.
The BBC will confirm its plans in the coming hours. Alternatively you can follow The Independent’s coverage in our live blog, which will be packed with updates from the show and reaction from social media and our reporters in the stadium.
Who is performing at the half-time show?
The 11-minute Super Bowl-style show will be co-headlined by Madonna, Shakira and K-pop boy band BTS.
Justin Bieber was added to the bill, while Burna Boy, Gustavo Dudamel and the PS22 Chorus featuring Coldplay also involved, and Chris Martin has curated the show.
Is there a closing ceremony and how is performing?
The closing ceremony starts at 18:30 BST (1:30pm ET), with the show including Tom Cruise, Laura Pausini, Nicole Scherzinger, Robbie Williams and IShowSpeed. And Jennifer Hudson is to sing the United States’ national anthem.
