As Spain vs Argentina battle it out in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final for football’s biggest prize, global stars will light up the stage in what will be the first ever World Cup halftime show.
The show will be headlined by some of the biggest global stars, including Madonna, Shakira, Justin Bieber and popular South Korean band BTS. Curated by Coldplay’s Chris Martin, it will also feature the famous Muppets from Sesame Street – characters who have been a beloved part of many Americans’ childhoods.
But this isn’t just about entertainment. The halftime show at the New York New Jersey Stadium will support the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund, which aims to raise $100 million to provide access to quality education and soccer opportunities for children around the world.
FIFA has already raised around $30 million, with $1 added to the total for every FIFA ticket sold. “It will be a celebration of football, unity and shared humanity that will reverberate far beyond the final whistle,” said FIFA President Gianni Infantino.
So read on as we show you exactly how you can watch the 2026 World Cup Final Halftime Show for free anywhere.
How to watch free WC 2026 final halftime show
The first-of-its-kind World Cup final half-time show can be seen for free in several countries, including the UK, Australia, Brazil, Belgium, Ireland, the Netherlands, Switzerland and Turkey.
Abroad? Can’t access your free stream? Unblock your free World Cup stream with Norton VPN – more on that below.
Use a VPN to watch the World Cup 2026 final at halftime live
If you’re traveling, you might find that your usual World Cup Finals stream is suddenly unavailable due to geo-restrictions.
Don’t worry, this is exactly where a VPN can help. A virtual private network lets you connect to servers around the world, so you can safely access your usual VM coverage as if you were back at home.
We recommend Norton VPN. Here’s why:
How to watch the final halftime show of the 2026 World Cup in the USA
American viewers can watch the final halftime show on Fox and Telemundo (Spanish communication).
For cord cutters, these channels are available on live TV services such as YouTube TV (free trial), Hulu+Live TV, Sling (selected markets), Fubo or DirecTV.
Those looking for a streaming service instead can look no further Fox One (3-day free trial). Telemundo is available via Peacock likewise.
Visiting the US from the UK? You can still watch your WC stream for free thanks Norton VPN (Try for 60 days).
How to watch the final half-time show of the 2026 World Cup in the UK
UK customers are in luck as they can stream the World Cup final during the break for free on ITVX and BBC iPlayer.
You require a TV license and a valid UK postcode for an account (eg SE1 7PB).
Norton VPN can unlock your stream if you are abroad today.
How to watch the final half-time show of the 2026 World Cup in Australia
The half-time World Cup final will be shown free-to-air in Australia on SBS On Demand.
The streaming platform shows every game in the tournament for free, making it the perfect place for your World Cup viewing.
Are you traveling for work or on holiday? A VPN that Norton VPN can help unlock your free stream.
How to watch the final half-time show of the 2026 World Cup in Canada
In Canada, TSN and free channel CTV will broadcast the final halftime show.
You can stream live via TSN+ streaming platform, which costs $80 per month or $80 per year.
CTV will require your TV provider login details, but is also available via pay TV streaming platform Dry after if you want an alternative.
Outside of Canada? Use Norton VPN while traveling away from home to unlock your stream.
When does the WC 2026 final start at halftime?
The World Cup final between Spain and Argentina starts at 8pm BST / 3pm ET / 7am AEST (Monday) so the break should start around 8.50pm BST / 3.50pm ET / 7.50am AEST (Monday).
How long is the 2026 World Cup final break?
Although sources within FIFA say the halftime show will last around 20 minutes, it is more likely to stretch closer to 25-30 minutes. That’s because the 11-minute Super Bowl-style performance, headlined by Madonna, Shakira and BTS, will take place after the scheduled 15-minute intermission.
There is also a precedent for that. Last year’s FIFA Club World Cup final also featured a halftime show with performances from Coldplay, J Balvin, Doja Cat, Tems and Emmanuel Kelly, with the break ultimately lasting 24 minutes.
Not everyone is happy about a potential half-hour halftime show. Many football fans have criticized the move on social media. As one user on X put it: “We’re not here for a pop festival. It will completely ruin the mood and momentum of the match.”
Did you just hear that the World Cup final at half time will mean a 30 minute break? Are they joking? We’re not here for a pop festival. It will completely destroy the mood and momentum of the match.14 July 2026
Can I watch the WC 2026 final at halftime on my mobile?
Of course, most broadcasters have streaming services that you can access via mobile apps or via your phone’s browser.
You can also stay up to date with all the World Cup highlights on the official social media channels on X/Twitter (@FIFAWorldCup), Instagram (@FIFAWorldCup), TikTok (@FIFAWorldCup) and YouTube (@FIFA).
We test and review VPN services for legitimate recreational use. For example: 1. Accessing a Service from another country (subject to the terms and conditions of that Service). 2. Protecting your online security and enhancing your online privacy when you are abroad. We do not support or condone illegal or malicious use of VPN services. Consumption of paid-for pirated content is neither endorsed nor endorsed by Future Publishing.
