FIFA has announced plans to introduce a halftime show at the 2026 World Cup final, marking a historic first in the tournament’s history, with Nigerian artists tipped as potential headliners amid the global rise of Afrobeats.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino confirmed the development, noting that the show will feature multiple performers. The lineup is being curated by Chris Martin and the band’s manager, Phil Harvey.
The final is scheduled for July 19, 2026, at MetLife Stadium, which will be temporarily renamed New York New Jersey Stadium for the tournament.
Organised in partnership with Global Citizen, the halftime show is expected to be a landmark moment. Infantino described it as “a historic moment for the FIFA World Cup and a show befitting the biggest sporting event in the world.”
In addition to the halftime performance, FIFA is also planning a major “takeover” of Times Square during the final weekend of the tournament, which will be co-hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
Although the full list of performers has yet to be announced, Nigerian artists are widely considered strong contenders, reflecting Afrobeats’ continued global dominance.
The expectation is further reinforced by recent history. Tems made headlines at the inaugural FIFA Club World Cup final halftime show, performing alongside J Balvin and Doja Cat in a globally broadcast performance that marked a significant milestone for Afrobeats on football’s biggest stages.
