The 2026 FIFA World Cup’s First Halftime Show
The FIFA World Cup final has always been about more than just football, and the 2026 edition is set to make history. For the first time ever, the final will include a halftime show—bringing music, entertainment, and global star power into the middle of the action.
The 2022 World Cup final in Qatar drew an audience of nearly 1.5 billion people worldwide, proving just how massive this event is. In 2026, those viewers won’t just be tuning in for the football—they’ll also be watching to see which international stars take over the stage.
Coldplay frontman Chris Martin and manager Phil Harvey are helping shape the performance lineup, and anticipation is already sky-high. Below are five artists who stand out as the top contenders to headline the 2026 FIFA World Cup halftime show.
5 Music Icons Who Could Shine in 2026
- Pitbull
- Beyoncé & Jay-Z
- Kendrick Lamar
- Taylor Swift
- Calvin Harris & Diplo
1. Pitbull – Mr. Worldwide Returns to the World Stage
Few artists are as closely linked to FIFA events as Pitbull. Known as Mr. Worldwide, he’s built his career on energetic party anthems that are tailor-made for global audiences. With previous ties to World Cup anthems and international tours, Pitbull represents the perfect balance of spectacle and mass appeal.
Love him or not, Pitbull knows how to fire up a crowd, and FIFA could easily turn to him to deliver a high-energy halftime performance in 2026.
2. Beyoncé & Jay-Z – The Ultimate Power Couple
When it comes to sheer star power, Beyoncé and Jay-Z are unmatched. Together, they’ve dominated music charts, sold out stadiums, and won nearly every award possible. While they’ve toured as a duo, they’ve never co-headlined a global one-off show—making the World Cup an ideal stage.
Beyoncé has already proven her halftime credentials with unforgettable Super Bowl performances. Adding Jay-Z to the mix would elevate the show into a once-in-a-lifetime cultural moment.
3. Kendrick Lamar – Music With a Message
Kendrick Lamar brings something few others can: the ability to blend music, storytelling, and social commentary in one electrifying performance. His Super Bowl halftime show was widely praised for being sharp, meaningful, and unforgettable.
With FIFA eager to make the 2026 halftime debut historic, Kendrick could deliver not just entertainment, but a cultural statement that resonates worldwide. His performances spark global conversations—and that’s exactly the kind of buzz FIFA wants.
4. Taylor Swift – The Biggest Star on the Planet
No artist embodies global dominance right now more than Taylor Swift. With her record-breaking Eras Tour surpassing $1 billion in revenue, she has proven her unmatched reach and influence.
Landing Swift for the 2026 halftime show would send a powerful message: FIFA is serious about making this event historic. Her passion, energy, and ability to connect with massive audiences make her the safest—and boldest—choice.
5. Calvin Harris, Diplo, or Another Superstar DJ
While pop megastars are headline-worthy, FIFA could also opt for a more practical approach. A world-class DJ can light up a stadium instantly without the need for elaborate stage setups.
Calvin Harris, with his string of global hits alongside artists like Rihanna and Dua Lipa, is a frontrunner. Diplo is another strong candidate, with his diverse influences in dancehall, reggaeton, and electronic music connecting with fans across cultures.
Final Thoughts
The first-ever FIFA World Cup halftime show in 2026 is set to be unforgettable, no matter who takes the stage. Whether it’s Pitbull bringing pure energy, Beyoncé and Jay-Z creating a cultural spectacle, Kendrick Lamar sparking meaningful conversations, Taylor Swift electrifying a global audience, or a superstar DJ keeping the energy high, FIFA has no shortage of iconic options.
As fans wait for the official announcement, excitement continues to grow. One thing is certain: the 2026 World Cup halftime show will be just as memorable as the football itself.
