New York: The FIFA World Cup 2026 final is set to make history with the tournament’s first-ever halftime show, introducing a Super Bowl-style entertainment spectacle to football’s biggest stage. Scheduled to take place at the New York New Jersey Stadium (MetLife Stadium) on July 19 (local time), the final will combine world-class football with performances from some of the biggest names in global music.
The star-studded lineup includes BTS, Madonna, Shakira, Justin Bieber, Burna Boy, renowned conductor Gustavo Dudamel and the PS22 Chorus. Coldplay frontman Chris Martin has been appointed as the creative curator of the event, while the show is being produced in collaboration with Global Citizen.
For Indian viewers, the match and halftime show will be available live through the official broadcasters. Here’s everything you need to know.
When will the FIFA World Cup 2026 final start in India?
Due to the time difference, the FIFA World Cup 2026 final will kick off for Indian viewers in the early hours of Monday, July 20, at 12:30 am IST.
The halftime show is expected to begin approximately 45 minutes after kickoff, depending on stoppage time during the first half. This means viewers in India can expect the musical performance to start at around 1:15 am to 1:20 am IST.
Unlike previous FIFA World Cup finals, the halftime interval has been extended to accommodate the live performance.
Where to watch the FIFA World Cup 2026 final in India
Football fans in India can watch the FIFA World Cup 2026 final live through the tournament’s official broadcast partners.
The match is scheduled to be telecast on Sports18 Network, while the live streaming will be available on JioHotstar.
The halftime show will be integrated into the live match broadcast, allowing viewers to watch both the football action and the musical performances without changing platforms.
Meanwhile, broadcasters BBC and ITV in the United Kingdom have announced that they will not air the halftime concert, opting instead to focus on football analysis and highlights during the extended break.
How long will the halftime show last?
FIFA has confirmed that the live performance itself will run for approximately 11 minutes.
However, the overall halftime interval is expected to last 30 to 45 minutes, significantly longer than the traditional 15-minute break. The additional time will be used for stage setup, dismantling, broadcasting requirements and post-performance analysis.
The format closely mirrors the NFL Super Bowl halftime show, one of the world’s most-watched entertainment events.
Star-studded lineup for FIFA’s first halftime show
The inaugural FIFA World Cup halftime show will feature performances by some of the world’s biggest music stars.
The confirmed lineup includes:
- BTS
- Madonna
- Shakira
- Justin Bieber
- Burna Boy
- Gustavo Dudamel
- PS22 Chorus
Chris Martin, lead vocalist of Coldplay, is serving as the creative curator of the event.
The performance is being organised in partnership with Global Citizen and aims to raise awareness for the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund, an initiative that supports access to education and football opportunities for children worldwide.
A new chapter for the FIFA World Cup
For decades, FIFA World Cup finals have featured elaborate opening ceremonies before kickoff, but never a halftime concert.
The 2026 edition marks a significant change, bringing football closer to the entertainment model followed by the NFL’s Super Bowl. FIFA hopes the new format will enhance the viewing experience and attract even larger global audiences.
With millions expected to tune in from around the world, the combination of elite football and live performances by internationally acclaimed artists is expected to make the 2026 final one of the most memorable sporting events in history.
Conclusion
The FIFA World Cup 2026 final promises to be more than just a football match. Alongside the battle for the biggest prize in world football, fans will witness FIFA’s first-ever halftime show featuring BTS, Madonna, Shakira, Justin Bieber and several other global performers. Indian viewers can catch all the action live from 12:30 am IST on July 20, with the historic halftime performance expected to begin shortly after 1:15 am.