As Spain and Argentina battle it out in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final to win football’s greatest prize, global stars will light up the stage in what will be the first-ever World Cup halftime show.
The show will feature some of the world’s biggest stars, including Madonna, Shakira, Justin Bieber and popular South Korean group BTS. It will be hosted by Chris Martin of Coldplay and will also feature the famous Muppets from Sesame Street – characters who have been an integral part of many Americans’ childhoods.
But it’s not just about entertainment. The halftime show at New York New Jersey Stadium will support the FIFA Global Citizenship Education Fund, aiming to raise $100 million to provide children around the world with access to quality education and football opportunities.
FIFA has already raised around $30 million, plus $1 for every FIFA ticket sold. “It will be a celebration of football, unity and shared humanity that will resonate far beyond the final whistle,” said FIFA President Gianni Infantino.
So read on as we show you exactly how to watch halftime of the 2026 World Cup final for free, wherever you are.
How to watch the 2026 World Cup Final halftime show for free
The first halftime show of the World Cup Final, the first of its kind, is available for free in several countries, including the United Kingdom, Australia, Brazil, Belgium, Ireland, Netherlands, Switzerland and Turkey.
Abroad? Having trouble accessing your free stream? Unlock your free World Cup stream with NortonVPN – more on this below.
Use a VPN to watch halftime of the 2026 World Cup final live
If you’re traveling, you may find that your usual stream of the World Cup final is suddenly unavailable due to geo-restrictions.
Don’t worry, this is exactly where a VPN can help you. A Virtual Private Network lets you connect to servers around the world so you can securely access your usual World Cup coverage as if you were at home.
We recommend NortonVPN. Here’s why:
How to watch halftime of the 2026 World Cup final in the United States
US viewers can watch the final halftime show on Fox And Teleworld (Spanish communication).
For cord cutters, these channels are available on live TV services like YouTube TV (free trial), Hulu+Live TV, Sling (certain markets), Fubo Or DirectTV.
Those looking for a streaming service can instead watch on Fox One (3 day free trial). Telemundo is available via Peacock Also.
Visiting the USA from the UK? You can still watch your World Cup streaming for free thanks to Norton VPN (try for 60 days).
How to watch halftime of the 2026 World Cup final in the UK
UK customers are in luck as they can stream the World Cup final halftime show for free on ITVX And BBC iPlayer.
You need a TV license and a valid UK postcode for an account (eg SE1 7PB).
NortonVPN can unblock your stream if you’re abroad today.
How to watch halftime of the 2026 World Cup final in Australia
The World Cup Final halftime show will be broadcast for free in Australia on SBS on demand.
The streaming platform broadcasts all tournament matches for free, making it the perfect place to watch the World Cup.
Are you traveling for work or on vacation? A VPN like NortonVPN can help you unlock your free stream.
How to watch halftime of the 2026 World Cup final in Canada
In Canada, TSN and free channel Connected TV will broadcast the halftime show of the final.
You can stream live via the TSN+ streaming platform, which costs CA$8 per month or CA$80 per year.
Connected TV will require your TV provider login details, but is also available via pay TV streaming platform To really want to if you want an alternative.
Outside of Canada? To use NortonVPN while you travel away from home to unblock your feed.
What time does the 2026 World Cup final halftime show start?
The World Cup final between Spain and Argentina kicks off at 8pm BST / 3pm ET / 7am AEST (Monday), so the half-time show is expected to start around 8:50pm BST / 3:50pm ET / 7:50am AEST (Monday).
How long will the halftime show of the 2026 World Cup final be?
Although sources within FIFA say the halftime show will last around 20 minutes, it is more likely it will stretch to 25-30 minutes. Indeed, the 11-minute Super Bowl-style performance, co-headlined by Madonna, Shakira and BTS, will take place after the scheduled 15-minute halftime interval.
There is also precedent for this. Last year’s FIFA Club World Cup final also included a half-time show, with performances from Coldplay, J Balvin, Doja Cat, Tems and Emmanuel Kelly, and the break ended up lasting 24 minutes.
Not everyone is happy with a potential half-hour halftime show. Many football fans criticized the decision on social media. As one X user said: “We’re not here for a pop festival. This will completely ruin the mood and momentum of the match.”
Did you just hear that the World Cup final halftime show will mean a 30-minute half? Are they joking? We’re not here for a pop festival. This will completely ruin the mood and momentum of the match.July 14, 2026
Can I watch halftime of the 2026 World Cup final on my mobile?
Of course, most broadcasters offer streaming services that you can access through mobile apps or through your phone’s browser.
You can also stay up to date with all the key moments from the World Cup on the official social channels on X/Twitter (@FIFAWorldCup), Instagram (@FIFAWorldCup), TikTok (@FIFAWorldCup) and YouTube (@FIFA).
We test and review VPN services in the context of legal recreational uses. For example: 1. Access a service from another country (subject to the terms and conditions of that service). 2. Protect your online security and strengthen your online privacy abroad. We do not support or condone illegal or malicious use of VPN services. Consumption of paid pirated content is not endorsed or endorsed by Future Publishing.
