BBC and ITV won't air World Cup final halftime show that includes Madonna and Justin Bieber
The United States may no longer be in the 2026 World Cup, but that doesn't mean their presence won't be felt all the way up until the final with the first-ever halftime show.
All three co-hosts - USA, Mexico and Canada - have now exited the World Cup after they were vanquished in the last 16, with Mexico bowing out in a remarkable defeat to England at the Azteca.
Canada also went down on their swords after being eliminated by the quality Morocco, but it's been a different story for the USA, whose battering at the hands of Belgium was mired in controversy.
Yet, with the final to be held in New Jersey's MetLife Stadium on Sunday, 19 July, there will still be a healthy dose of Americana thanks to the first-ever final halftime show.
USA to host the first-ever World Cup final halftime show
Taking clear inspiration from the star-studded extravaganzas that are the halftime shows of the Super Bowl, FIFA has opted to bring the American tradition to the World Cup.
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They've snagged some big names, too, with Justin Bieber announced as a headliner alongside music legend Madonna, K-Pop phenomenon BTS and singer of the official World Cup song 'Dai Dai', Shakira, all set to perform.
Curated by Coldplay's Chris Martin, FIFA say the show will last for 11 minutes, but it's not yet clear how long the halftime break will be given the need to set up and then deconstruct any stages or sets that will be used.
Regardless, those of us watching the final back home in the United Kingdom are unlikely to see any of the festivities as both the BBC and ITV are not planning to show them.
Why is ITV and the BBC not planning on airing the halftime show?
The Times reported when the halftime show was first confirmed in May that the BBC plan on maintaining their typical format of analysing the action during the break instead of cutting back to musical performances on the pitch.
ITV were also said to be sticking with their normal formula, though it was added that a final decision hadn't been made.
The halftime show is expected to be watchable on the digital platforms of BBC and ITV, who will both be broadcasting the final.
A BBC spokesperson told LADbible that: "Plans will be announced in due course."
LADbible Group has also approached ITV for comment.
'This groundbreaking spectacle will celebrate football, music and our shared values'
FIFA president, Gianni Infantino, said: “When it comes to what the world needs, there is nothing more important than education.
"We are proud to have Justin Bieber joining Madonna, Shakira and BTS to co-headline the FIFA World Cup 2026 Final Half-time Show in support of the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund and our mission to expand access to quality education and football opportunities for children around the world.
“Burna Boy, Gustavo Dudamel and PS 22 Chorus ft. Coldplay will also join and play a key role in conveying a powerful message of unity and hope to billions of people worldwide.
"As the world unites for the most significant football match in history on Sunday, 19 July 2026 at the New York New Jersey Stadium, this groundbreaking spectacle, curated by Chris Martin of Coldplay, will celebrate football, music and our shared values, ensuring a legacy that transcends the final whistle.”
Bieber added: “The FIFA World Cup brings the world together in a way nothing else can. I’m grateful to be part of this halftime show, and even more grateful knowing it’s already helping expand access to education for children around the world."
The show is also set to feature characters from Sesame Street and The Muppets, Venezuelan conductor Gustavo Dudamel and PS 22 Chorus featuring Coldplay.
World Cup 2026 fixture schedule and UK kick off times
Thursday, 9 July
Quarter-final - Match 97: France vs Morocco, kick-off 9pm - Foxborough, US
Friday, 10 July
Quarter-final - Match 98: Match 93 winners vs Match 94 winners, kick-off 8pm - Los Angeles, US
Saturday, 11 July
Quarter-final - Match 99: Norway vs England, kick-off 10pm - Miami, US
Sunday, 12 July
Quarter-final - Match 100: Match 95 winners vs Match 96 winners, kick-off 2am - Kansas City, US
Tuesday, 14 July
Semi-final - Match 101: Match 97 winners vs Match 98 winners, kick-off 8pm - Arlington, US
Wednesday, 15 July
Semi-final - Match 102: Match 99 winners vs Match 100 winners, kick-off 8pm - Atlanta, US
Saturday, 18 July
Third Place Playoff - Match 103: Match 101 losers vs Match 102 losers, kick-off 10pm - Miami, US
Sunday, 19 July
Final - Match 104: Match 101 winners vs Match 102 winners, kick-off 8pm - New Jersey, US
Topics: Justin Bieber, Madonna, Music, World Cup, Football
Daniel Murphy