Kendrick Lamar’s Super Bowl halftime show was more than a spectacle — it might have changed the game.
The 37-year-old Pulitzer Prize-winning artist’s politically charged performance became the most-watched halftime show in history, pulling in 133 million viewers and sparking a new wave of Google searches for “men flared jeans.” Now, FIFA wants in on the action.
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On Wednesday, March 4, FIFA president Gianni Infantino announced on Instagram that the 2026 FIFA World Cup final will feature a halftime show for the first time ever.
“This will be a historic moment for the FIFA World Cup and a show befitting the biggest sporting event in the world,” the 54-year-old football administrator wrote. The final will take place at MetLife Stadium — renamed New York New Jersey Stadium for the tournament — on July 19, 2026.
As soon as the news hit, the internet had plenty to say.
“Shakira is the most deserving artist to headline the FIFA World Cup final halftime show next year. When people think of the World Cup song, they think of her. There’s no other choice but Shakira,” one person wrote on X (formerly twitter).
“Beyonce 2026 fifa halftime show headliner lets go,” said another.
“Nobody wants a halftime for a FIFA world cup. Football fans aren’t like the NFL. Countries that actually have been champions will hate every second of it and anyone doing the show,” chimed in a third.
“Will Oasis play at the Fifa halftime show next year???” someone else wondered.
“Trying to ruin World Cup like they did the Super Bowl. Concentrating on everything but the game,” added another.
For those who missed Lamar’s Super Bowl performance on Sunday, February 9, it was a cultural moment. The “Swimming Pools” rapper used his set to highlight themes of Black identity and social injustice, delivering hits like “Humble” and “Not Like Us” — a diss track aimed at Drake.
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