In a move that’ll have soccer fans and skeptics alike raising an eyebrow, FIFA has announced that the 2026 World Cup final will feature a Super Bowl-style halftime show. Yep, you read that right. On July 19, 2026, MetLife Stadium, rebranded as New York New Jersey Stadium for this mega event, will play host to what could either be a glorious celebration of global talent or a glorified marketing scheme.

Chris Martin of Coldplay fame is stepping in as the ringmaster for this extravaganza. According to FIFA’s president Gianni Infantino, Martin will be working closely with the organization (and Global Citizen, because who doesn’t love a good advocacy shoutout?) to curate not just the halftime show, but a takeover of Times Square for the final weekend. I mean, who doesn’t want to party in the heart of NYC while the world’s greatest soccer players battle it out?

Infantino cheekily touted the halftime show as a “historic moment for the FIFA World Cup”. Well, it certainly will be historic if we see Martin belting out tunes while players guzzle hydration and try to remember how to resume competing after 15 minutes of forced entertainment. Let’s just hope it doesn’t turn into a live version of “The Hunger Games”.

The speculation around which artists will join Coldplay (if they even perform) is swirling like a cloud of overpriced cotton candy at a carnival. Infantino hasn’t spilled the beans yet on extending the traditional halftime slot. I mean, who needs to watch the world’s best soccer players actually play when you can watch Chris Martin’s side-eye during performance? So many questions, so little time!

If you’re marking your calendars, get ready for a festival vibe in an arena that’s both legendary and known for questionable weather. The World Cup is back in North America, and this time it’s bigger, brighter, and possibly more chaotic than ever before. Just remember to have your snacks ready and your dubious takes primed for social media because you definitely won’t want to miss it. Bring on the fútbol and the showbiz, and let’s see if FIFA’s gamble pays off or if it’s just another example of capitalism trying to cash in on our love for the beautiful game.

Stay tuned, friends. This is bound to be a World Cup like no other.