It appears that Chris Martin, the frontman of the beloved band Coldplay, is set to play a significant role in shaping the first-ever halftime show of the FIFA World Cup, which will take place in 2026. This pivotal event, which kicks off a new tradition for the World Cup, is generating a lot of excitement—thanks in part to Martin’s involvement.
Recent statements from FIFA president Gianni Infantino highlighted that not only Martin but also Phil Harvey, Coldplay’s long-time collaborator, are helping to curate a list of artists who will perform at the halftime show. Infantino took to Instagram to express his gratitude, stating, “My thanks of course to Global Citizen CEO Hugh Evans and his incredible team, for helping us put together these amazing shows. I also want to thank Chris Martin and Phil Harvey of Coldplay, who will be working with us at FIFA to finalize the list of artists who will perform during the halftime show, as well as at Times Square.”
This groundbreaking halftime show will be a first for the World Cup, following in the footsteps of the NFL’s Super Bowl, renowned for its star-studded performances. The latest NFL Super Bowl saw Kendrick Lamar take the stage, with guest appearances from SZA and Serena Williams—a reminder of the kind of electrifying energy that halftime performances can bring.
So, will Coldplay actually perform at the 2026 World Cup halftime show? The speculation is building, but it remains to be seen who will take center stage. Although Coldplay is currently the leading candidate, the fact that Chris Martin is involved in recruiting artists suggests he might not be performing himself. The likelihood of him stepping into the spotlight would increase only if FIFA finds themselves unable to secure a marquee act.
Behind the scenes, Coldplay is continuing their massive Music of the Spheres World Tour, now entering its fourth year. They’ve just entertained audiences in the United Arab Emirates and India and are gearing up to resume their tour on April 8 in Hong Kong. From there, they’ll head to South Korea before returning to North America for 17 more shows, which fans are eagerly awaiting after their latest visit in 2023.
The Music of the Spheres Tour has not only gained remarkable traction but is also set to conclude with an impressive 10-show residency at Wembley Stadium from August 22 to September 8. By the end of the tour, the band will have performed an astonishing 225 shows—more than double the number during their previous Head Full of Dreams Tour, which ran from 2016 to 2017. With over $1 billion grossed from ticket sales, this tour ranks among the largest in concert history, alongside Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour.
The purpose of this epic tour is to support their 2021 album, “Music of the Spheres,” and it even overlaps with the release of their 10th studio album, “Moon Music.” Fans can expect a blend of material from their extensive repertoire, including hits that resonate well with audiences worldwide, making each show a memorable experience.
As we approach the 2026 World Cup, all eyes will undoubtedly be on the halftime show. With Chris Martin at the helm of artist recruitment, the potential for a spectacular lineup is high, making it an event to watch for fans of both music and football alike. Whatever unfolds, one thing is for sure: the halftime show promises to be a highlight that blends the thrills of sports with the magic of live music in a way football fans have never experienced before.
Image Source: Chris Martin @ Instagram
