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- The Weeknd is now 5/6 favourite to headline the 2026 World Cup Halftime Show.
- The final takes place at MetLife Stadium on July 19, 2026, with a Times Square concert also planned
- This will be the first ever halftime show at a FIFA World Cup Final, co-produced by Global Citizen
The Weeknd Becomes Odds-On Favourite To Headline 2026 World Cup Final Halftime Show
Canadian superstar The Weeknd has emerged as the clear frontrunner to headline the first-ever FIFA World Cup Final Halftime Show, with bookmakers now slashing his odds into odds-on at 5/6.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup Final, set for July 19, 2026, at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, will feature the debut of a Super Bowl-style halftime show in a landmark moment for the world’s biggest sporting event.
FIFA confirmed earlier this year that Global Citizen will co-produce the show, with Coldplay also involved in shaping the final lineup.
With the concert set to take place in the heart of the New York metropolitan area, the odds are now tilting heavily in favour of The Weeknd headlining, bringing global reach and halftime show pedigree.
2026 World Cup Final Halftime Show Headliner Odds
| 2026 World Cup Final Halftime Show Headliner | Odds | Implied Probability |
|---|---|---|
| The Weeknd | 5/6 | 54.5% |
| Beyoncé | 21/10 | 32.3% |
| Drake | 7/1 | 12.5% |
| Coldplay | 10/1 | 9.1% |
| Shakira | 10/1 | 9.1% |
| Pitbull | 12/1 | 7.7% |
Why The Weeknd Is Leading The Market
The Weeknd, real name Abel Tesfaye, ticks every box for a blockbuster halftime headliner:
- Global stardom
- North American roots (he’s Canadian)
- Super Bowl experience (2021)
- Strong ties to FIFA and brand partners
With the 2026 World Cup hosted across the US, Canada, and Mexico, The Weeknd’s Canadian nationality could make him the perfect choice for FIFA’s debut halftime act.
His Super Bowl performance also proved his ability to carry a stadium spectacle solo, something few acts can match.
Other Contenders: Beyoncé, Drake, Shakira
Beyoncé remains a strong challenger at 21/10, bringing iconic status, powerful vocals, and US appeal.
However, she headlined the Super Bowl in 2013 and returned in 2016, so FIFA may look elsewhere for a fresher pick.
Drake (7/1), another Canadian megastar, fits the bill demographically.
Shakira (10/1) has strong World Cup pedigree, having performed the 2010 anthem Waka Waka, while Coldplay (10/1) could insert themselves into the conversation as co-producers although their involvement may be more behind-the-scenes.
Pitbull (12/1) remains a wildcard, having featured on the 2014 World Cup anthem, but his recent popularity doesn’t quite match the frontrunners.
What the expert says...
Where To Bet On World Cup Entertainment Specials
While many bookmakers haven’t yet listed full World Cup halftime show specials, markets like this are expected to appear across the best entertainment betting sites in the run-up to the 2026 final.
You can find these novelty markets and free bets for new customers at top-rated UK betting sites, especially as the event draws closer.
