FIFA will introduce a halftime show at the 2026 World Cup final for the first time in the tournament’s history, with Nigerian artists potentially taking centre stage amid the global rise of Afrobeats.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino confirmed the development, revealing 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 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.

While the full list of performers has yet to be announced, Nigerian artists are expected to be strong contenders, given Afrobeats’ continued global dominance.

This expectation is 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 major milestone for Afrobeats on football’s biggest stages. (The Nation)