ITV to follow BBC and ‘not show’ unprecedented World Cup 2026 moment based on US tradition

FIFA has made entertainment a major part of the 2026 World Cup, with three opening ceremonies planned across Mexico, Canada and the United States.

Reported line-ups include Future, Maná, Katy Perry and Tyla, while the final is also set to feature a first World Cup half-time show.

That final performance appears to follow the Super Bowl model, but UK broadcasters seem ready to keep their main coverage focused on football.

ITV set to keep normal World Cup final coverage despite FIFA half-time show

ITV is reportedly expected to follow the BBC by not showing the World Cup final half-time show on its main television coverage.

A report from GB News states both broadcasters plan to stick with their usual broadcast approach, using half-time for analysis of the first half.

That means ITV viewers are likely to see punditry, replays and tactical discussion rather than the musical production being staged at MetLife Stadium.

The BBC case had already drawn attention, but ITV’s position makes the UK response broader than one broadcaster’s editorial decision.

FIFA’s show is an unprecedented step for the World Cup final, with Gianni Infantino pushing a spectacle closer to the US sports tradition.

Reports have linked Shakira, Madonna, BTS and Coldplay’s Chris Martin to the final entertainment plans.

The exact length of the performance has remained a broadcast concern, because football half-time is normally a strict 15-minute interval, which would provide just a short break to set the stage and perform.

Read more: