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FIFA has reportedly confirmed the 2026 World Cup would have a halftime show like the Super Bowl.

The FIFA World Cup is set to get a massive entertainment facelift, with plans for the tournament’s first-ever halftime show during the 2026 final. 

The move is set to rival the NFL’s iconic Super Bowl halftime spectacle, and some of Afrobeats’ biggest names could be on the brink of making history.

With the 2026 edition set to be hosted across the United States, Mexico, and Canada, FIFA President Gianni Infantino has confirmed that the show will take place during the final match at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on July 19, 2026.

Infantino Confirms Halftime Show Plans

In an Instagram post, Infantino revealed that FIFA is already deep into preparations for the show, with Coldplay’s Chris Martin and Phil Harvey playing a key role in curating the lineup.

“I can confirm the first ever half-time show at a FIFA World Cup final in New York New Jersey,” Infantino announced.

 “This will be a historic moment for the FIFA World Cup and a show befitting the biggest sporting event in the world.”

The FIFA boss added: “We also spoke about how FIFA will takeover 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.

“I also want to thank Chris Martin and Phil Harvey of Coldplay, who will be working with us at FIFA to finalise the list of artists who will perform during the halftime show, as well as at Times Square.”

2026 FIFA WC Halftime Show: Afrobeats Stars in the Mix?

With the announcement, speculation is already mounting about which artists will grace the historic stage.

While there are rumours that Canadian megastar Drake could be a headliner, Afrobeats heavyweights like Burna Boy, Davido, and Wizkid are also being tipped as frontrunners.

The global explosion of Afrobeats has already seen several Nigerian superstars shine on the world’s biggest stages. 

In 2022, Davido became the first and only Nigerian to perform at the FIFA World Cup, delivering a captivating rendition of “(Hayya Hayya) Better Together” at the closing ceremony in Qatar.

Meanwhile, Burna Boy made history in 2023 by becoming the first African artist to perform at the UEFA Champions League final halftime show, thrilling the crowd alongside Anitta at the Atatürk Olympic Stadium in Istanbul.

With Afrobeats’ dominance on the rise, all eyes are on Afrobeats megastars as potential headliners for the 2026 show. 

Their star power, combined with their long-standing global appeal, makes them prime candidates to represent the genre on the world’s biggest stage.

The decision to introduce a halftime show follows the resounding success of the NFL Super Bowl’s performances, with the most recent edition featuring Kendrick Lamar and SZA drawing a record-breaking audience of 133.5 million viewers.

If Afrobeats stars secure a spot in the lineup, the 2026 World Cup final could be a watershed moment for African music, and another notch in the belt for Nigeria’s biggest musical exports.