FIFA is set to make history by introducing the first-ever Super Bowl-style halftime show at the 2026 FIFA World Cup final, a move that will see the traditional halftime break extended to accommodate a live musical performance.

The World Cup final will be played on Sunday, July 19, at New York New Jersey Stadium, with kick-off scheduled for 10:00pm East Africa Time (EAT).

The extended interval will feature an 11-minute live performance headlined by global music stars Madonna, Shakira and BTS, with the show curated by Chris Martin of Coldplay and broadcast to millions of viewers worldwide.

While the International Football Association Board (IFAB) limits halftime to a maximum of 15 minutes under normal football laws, FIFA is working to keep the extended break to between 20 and 25 minutes, with officials targeting no more than 20 minutes.

Production crews are expected to assemble and dismantle the stage in under nine minutes to minimise disruption and protect the playing surface.

The halftime show is part of a wider partnership between FIFA and Global Citizen, aimed at supporting the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund, which seeks to raise 100 million US dollars to expand access to quality education and football opportunities for children around the world.

More than 30 million US dollars has already been raised, with one dollar from every ticket sold for FIFA World Cup 2026 matches going towards social projects globally.

Announcing the performers, FIFA President Gianni Infantino said the event would bring together football, music and social impact on the sport’s biggest stage.

“Madonna, Shakira and BTS are global icons whose music transcends borders and generations, and we are proud to welcome them to the first-ever FIFA World Cup Final Halftime Show curated by Chris Martin of Coldplay,” Infantino said.

Fans attending the final will be admitted into the stadium from 6:00pm EAT, with the closing ceremony scheduled to begin at 8:30pm EAT, before the match kicks off at 10:00pm EAT.

The first finalists have already been confirmed after Spain defeated France 2-0 in the semi-finals at Dallas Stadium on Tuesday night. La Roja secured the victory through goals from Mikel Oyarzabal and Pedro Porro, while producing a disciplined defensive display to book their place in the final.

Spain will face the winner of the second semi-final between England and Argentina, with the champions to be crowned in what will also be the first FIFA World Cup final to feature a halftime entertainment show.