How to watch World Cup halftime show as BBC and ITV ditch airing performance
British broadcasters apparently aren't on board with the 2026 World Cup featuring a halftime performance.
Both the BBC and ITV aren't airing the Super Bowl-style extravaganza that will take place in the middle of the football tournament's final fixture on 19 July.
But if you are in the UK and are absolutely desperate to watch music stars take to the stage while players take a breather, there is still a way you can watch it.
For the first time ever, FIFA are shaking up the World Cup final by incorporating a halftime show that is reminiscent to those that take place at sporting events in the States such as the Super Bowl.
Advert
Coldplay frontman Chris Martin has carefully curated the pending performance, which is reportedly set to span 11-minutes in length.
It's being touted as a 'celebration of football, unity and shared humanity that will resonate far beyond the final whistle' by FIFA, who announced that Justin Bieber, Madonna, BTS and Shakira will headline the show.
The World Cup has well and truly got the Uncle Sam treatment this year and people reckon a lot of focus has been put on the profit that could be made, rather than what has been unfolding on the pitch.
For example, footie fans have been complaining that the hydration breaks that were brought in due to the climate in host countries Canada, Mexico and the United States are actually just a money-making scheme.
The introduction of these intervals has allowed broadcasters to flog more ad space, and a lot of people think this commercial approach to the beautiful game has taken the shine off the 2026 World Cup.
FIFA boss Gianni Infantino insisted it has not earned any 'additional revenue' from this though.
But those across the pond apparently don't think the tournament has been American enough - so they're slapping a halftime show on during the final.
Where to watch the World Cup halftime show in the UK
Next Sunday (19 July) is the crowning moment of the World Cup and teams will battle it out over the next ten days to try and earn a spot in the showpiece.
Brits can tune into all the action that unfolds at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey via either the BBC or ITV - however, neither of these will be showing the halftime show, reports claim.
According to The Times, both channels will instead show commentary on the first half of the match from pundits. However, the publication reported that 'no final decisions' have yet been made.
If the rumours of the broadcasters snubbing the halftime show are true, it means people in the UK watching their TV's won't get to see the hitmakers prancing about the stage.
But those who are keen to watch Bieber, Madonna, Shakira and BTS can apparently still access it via BBC and ITV's digital platforms instead.
Bizarrely, the show is also set to feature characters from Sesame Street and The Muppets. Burna Boy, Venezuelan conductor Gustavo Dudamel and PS 22 Chorus are also joining Coldplay during the show, FIFA said.
Brits have been sharing their thoughts on the performance on social media - and a lot of them didn't hold back.
One person complained: "Yet again America turn sport into a circus. No one goes to a football (not soccer) match to watch a half time show. Don't let the yanks ruin our game."
Another joked: "How about just a pie and a Bovril?"
A third added: "Why there's a half time show? Why? I'm sure football fans prefer to hear the match analysis instead."
A fourth chimed in saying: "I'll be going for a p**s and /or a cup of tea."
And a fifth asked: "How are they going to fit it all in 15 minutes? Will surely be a miracle."
Olivia Burke