Top Five Atlanta Artists We Want to See Perform at the World Cup Halftime Show
Imagine being at the FIFA 2026 World Cup final halftime show, surrounded by a packed stadium at MetLife Stadium, as Lil Jon belts out his famous line, “Turn down for what?!” Alternatively, picture Atlanta’s own TLC performing “Waterfalls” live in a downpour, reminiscent of Prince’s iconic “Purple Rain” performance at Super Bowl XLI. It’s a dream scenario, but one that could become a reality.
FIFA president Gianni Infantino recently took to Instagram to reveal that next year’s World Cup final will feature a halftime show for the first time in its history. “This will be a historic moment for the FIFA World Cup and a show befitting the biggest sporting event in the world,” Infantino declared. He also announced that Coldplay’s Chris Martin and Phil Harvey will collaborate with officials to select the artists for the event.
With Atlanta hosting eight World Cup matches at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in 2026, including one of the semifinals, the city has a good chance of showcasing local talent at the final match in New Jersey. Given Atlanta’s rich musical heritage, it wouldn’t be surprising to see an artist with Atlanta ties electrifying the audience of over 80,000 fans.
When it comes to selecting performers for the halftime show, a few Atlanta artists come to mind. Lil Jon, known for his energetic performances and global hits, stole the show at the Democratic National Convention last summer. His high-octane presence could provide the jolt of energy needed for the World Cup halftime show.
TLC, the best-selling American girl group of all time, would also be a fantastic addition to the lineup. With producer Dallas Austin remixing the 2026 FIFA World Cup theme song, perhaps he could recommend TLC for a memorable performance. Another iconic duo from Atlanta, OutKast, with Big Boi and Andre 3000, would be a dream come true for fans, reuniting the legendary pair for a special performance.
Adding to the list of potential performers is Janelle Monáe, an artist with strong ties to the Dungeon Family. Known for her dynamic stage presence and versatility, Monáe would be an ideal choice to captivate the World Cup audience. And let’s not forget about Usher, who wowed audiences at Super Bowl LVII with his electric performance. Two years later, it might be the perfect time for Usher to make a triumphant return to the halftime stage.
In conclusion, the FIFA 2026 World Cup halftime show promises to be a groundbreaking event, and with Atlanta being a hub of musical talent, it’s only fitting to showcase local artists on the global stage. Whether it’s Lil Jon, TLC, OutKast, Janelle Monáe, or Usher, any of these artists would undoubtedly bring their unique flair to the historic moment. We can only hope that the final lineup features one of these Atlanta icons, making the halftime show an unforgettable experience for fans worldwide.