Diluting the World Cup – performances during the halftime break

After expanding the World Cup from 32 to 48 teams, FIFA president Gianni Infantino has unveiled yet another new idea for the tournament set to take place across the USA, Canada, and Mexico. This summer’s final will break new ground, as it’s set to feature a halftime show for the very first time. The announcement came during his appearance at the Semafor World Economy Summit in Washington, D.C.

“For the first time in history, we will have a halftime show at the World Cup final on July 19th in New York/New Jersey,” the Italian explained at the event in the USA.

Halftime entertainment is nothing new in American sports culture. The Super Bowl, the NFL’s biggest game, has long featured performances from global music stars during the interval, regularly drawing massive TV audiences.

Whether that kind of spectacle will translate to football remains uncertain. Similar attempts in the past haven’t gone down well—most notably the 2017 DFB Cup final, when Helene Fischer was loudly booed throughout her short performance between Eintracht Frankfurt and Borussia Dortmund.

Infantino has kept details about the performers under wraps for now, though he hinted at a major production: "I can't reveal who will perform yet, but it will be more than one artist. And it will be the biggest show in the world. It will be fantastic."

What is already confirmed is that the musical segment will be overseen by British band Coldplay, along with their frontman Chris Martin. Infantino is also aiming to surround the tournament with as many high-profile names as possible to maximize global attention, saying he wants to involve "every star imaginable."

FALSE 10: Story of a team in blue

Sporting icons such as NFL legend Tom Brady and basketball great Shaquille O'Neal, who were already part of the final draw ceremony, are expected to be among the many big names present during the tournament.