FIFA president Gianni Infantino has by no means been removed from controversy since changing Sepp Blatter on the head of soccer’s governing physique in 2016 – and his newest plans for the 2026 World Cup probably will not go down effectively, both.
Since turning into FIFA president, Infantino has accepted Order of Friendship medal from Vladimir Putin, defended Qatar’s human rights report and performed a key function in making certain Saudi Arabia grew to become the hosts of the 2034 World Cup . He has additionally shamelessly had his personal identify engraved on the Membership World Cup trophy.
Now, the Swiss-Italian administrator has introduced a serious change to the format of the 2026 World Cup last which is ready to be hosted on July 19, 2026, on the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, USA .
FIFA president Gianni Infantino declares controversial change to 2026 World Cup last
The World Cup last will look a bit of completely different subsequent 12 months (Picture credit score: Getty Photographs)
For the primary time within the World Cup’s historical past, the ultimate of the match will, quite fittingly, contemplating the situation of the 2026 version, stage a Tremendous Bowl-style half-time present. Coldplay are set to assist choose an inventory of artists to carry out.
Half-time reveals within the Tremendous Bowl see the common 15-minute interval throughout the NFL season prolonged to half-hour. It is unclear whether or not the World Cup 2026 last will comply with swimsuit, although contemplating FIFA’s need to American-ify the match, it actually appears probably.
The MetLife stadium will host the ultimate (Picture credit score: Getty Photographs)
“It was my pleasure to talk with pals and colleagues attending the FIFA World Cup 26: FIFA Industrial & Media Companions Conference in Dallas, the place we mentioned some very thrilling plans for the biggest-ever FIFA World Cup in 2026,” Infantino mentioned.
“I can verify the primary ever half-time present at a FIFA World Cup last in New York New Jersey, in affiliation with International Citizen. This can be a historic second for the FIFA World Cup and a present befitting the largest sporting occasion on the earth.”
Infantino added: “We additionally spoke about how FIFA will takeover Instances Sq. for the ultimate weekend of the FIFA World Cup in 2026, throughout each the bronze last match and last.
“These can be two unbelievable matches, that includes a number of the finest gamers on the earth, and what higher method to rejoice them than within the historic Instances Sq. in New York Metropolis.
FIFA president Gianni Infantino with the World Cup trophy
“My thanks in fact to International Citizen CEO Hugh Evans and his unbelievable workforce, for serving to us put collectively these superb reveals. I additionally wish to thank Chris Martin and Phil Harvey of Coldplay, who can be working with us at FIFA to finalise the record of artists who will carry out throughout the half time present, in addition to at Instances Sq..”
In FourFourTwo ‘s view, that is simply one other poor resolution taken by Infantino and FIFA to attempt to enhance business exercise. The World Cup last is the game’s showpiece occasion each 4 years, and nobody needs it overshadowed by artists airing their grievances with others, a la Kendrick Lamar and Drake. Simply persist with the soccer, please.
