Well, it was only a matter of time. FIFA President Gianni Infantino has confirmed this week that the 2026 World Cup final will feature a Super Bowl-style halftime show for the first time ever.
This won’t just be a one-off because the 2026 World Cup is being held in the USA, either. It’s going to be a permanent Americanised staple of the tournament going forward. Sean Dyche would be rolling in his grave right now!
Infantino announced the news on his Instagram earlier:
“I can confirm the first ever half-time show at a FIFA World Cup final in New York New Jersey, 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.
“We also spoke about how FIFA will take over Times Square for the final weekend of the FIFA World Cup in 2026, during both the bronze final match and final. These will be two incredible matches, featuring some of the best players in the world, and what better way to celebrate them than in the historic Times Square in New York City.”
Does anyone other than FIFA want this? It just makes no sense whatsoever. For one thing, halftime traditionally lasts 15 minutes. How on earth are they going to set everything up, have a concert, take everything apart, and allow subs to warm up in a 15 minute window? They’ll undoubtedly have to extend the break to accommodate this whole thing, which could have a completely unnecessary effect on the players and the game itself.
I mean, imagine being in the locker room 2-0 down in the World Cup final at halftime, and hearing Coldplay or Rihanna or Bruno Mars belting out tunes from the pitch? Fantastic for the artist (or artists) who will get to play for the biggest international audience there is, and for FIFA to rake in a few extra million bucks. But incredibly annoying for the players and coaches and us fans who have to sit through it.
FIFA president Gianni Infantino has confirmed next year’s World Cup final will have a half-time show. pic.twitter.com/PSTLGbb2ft
— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) March 5, 2025
Arguably worse news than the Saudi ambassador confirming that there will be no alcohol at the 2034 World Cup. Leave the beautiful game alone, you monsters!
