Gianni Infantino wants to take the spectacle of football to another level. The FIFA president confirmed that the World Cup final will feature, for the first time, a halftime show similar to those seen at major sporting events.

During the World Economic Summit, Infantino revealed that the show will be led by Chris Martin, frontman of Coldplay, and that it will not be a conventional performance. There will be several guest artists, pointing to a global-scale event.

“It won’t be just one… it will be one of the biggest in the world,” Infantino said, making it clear that the goal is to turn the World Cup final into an experience that goes beyond sport.

A Trial Run That Set the Stage

The idea is not new. Talks about this possibility had been circulating since 2024, and now it has been confirmed as part of a strategy to merge football with entertainment and attract an even wider audience. The objective is clear: to make the most important match on the planet a full-scale spectacle.

In fact, there was already an initial attempt at this format during the Club World Cup final, where Chris Martin took part alongside artists such as J Balvin and Doja Cat, in what felt like a preview of what could be seen at the World Cup.

A New Step Toward Global Entertainment

Until now, World Cup finals had been known for pre-match shows. At Russia 2018, for example, Robbie Williams headlined the show at Luzhniki Stadium before the clash between France and Croatia. At Qatar 2022 in Lusail, there were also musical performances featuring artists like Ozuna and Gims.

However, those shows were shorter and less elaborate. The major difference now will be the format: a full halftime show, with greater duration, production, and prominence.

Football is entering a new era… and the World Cup final is shaping up to be just as memorable for what happens on the pitch as for what takes place on the stage.

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