FIFA angers fans with 2026 World Cup reveal that could turn Final into NFL show

The latest announcement has angered longtime football fans and left some insisting that the World Cup will never be the same.

"Nobody wants this," one fan tweeted.

But FIFA does, and that's all that matters.

"I can confirm the first ever half-time show at a FIFA World Cup final in New York New Jersey," FIFA president Gianni Infantino posted on Instagram.

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

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MetLife Stadium, which normally hosts the NFL's New York Giants and Jets, will become the 'New York New Jersey Stadium' during the 2026 World Cup.

An NFL-like Super Bowl show could take place during halftime of the final, which is scheduled for July 19, 2026.

Halftimes normally last 15 minutes in European football.

But Infantino has teased a "list" of artists who could perform during the halftime show in the middle of a championship match that is only played once every four years and captivates the world.

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The 2022 men's World Cup final between Lionel Messi's Argentina and Kylian Mbappe's France featured a global audience of an estimated 1.5 billion viewers.

"They ruining football," one fan tweeted.

"Football has fallen," a second fan wrote.

"They're killing the game," a third fan posted. "No one cares about any half time show."

"Halftime shows? Soccer's tryin' to get lit," a fourth fan said.

Infantino also posted about a 'Times Square takeover' for the final weekend of the 2026 World Cup, including the bronze match and championship.

"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," the FIFA president said.

"My thanks of course to Global Citizen CEO Hugh Evans and his incredible team, for helping us put together these amazing shows.

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"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 half time show, as well as at Times Square."

Kendrick Lamar performed an elaborate set during Super Bowl LIX in New Orleans, with the NFL stopping a game between the Philadelphia Eagles and Kansas City Chiefs for about 30 minutes.

The rhythm and pacing of the World Cup final could be affected by an elaborate halftime show, and players might have to plan in advance for how they will deal with unprecedented down time.

U2, Bruce Springsteen, The Who, Prince, Usher, Rihanna and The Weeknd have performed during past Super Bowls, with the halftime performances sometimes drawing more attention than the actual NFL game.

The 2026 World Cup will already be historic by being played in multiple countries at once.

There could also be visa problems for international fans traveling to the United States.

Ex-Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino was recently hired to lead the US men's national team.

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Thomas Tuchel will guide England in the 2026 World Cup.

The Three Lions host Albania on March 21 at Wembley Stadium in their first match under Tuchel's leadership.