Tennessee Volunteers Marching Band to Electrify the Global Stage: “Showband of the Southwest” Selected for Prestigious 2026 FIFA World Cup Halftime Performance – A Triumphant Fusion of American Collegiate Spirit and International Football Spectacle… See more 👇 👇 👇Tennessee Volunteers Marching Band to Perform at 2026 FIFA World Cup Halftime Show
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — In a historic announcement, the University of Tennessee’s Pride of the Southland Band—widely recognized as the “Showband of the South”—has been selected to perform during the halftime show at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, marking a groundbreaking moment for both American collegiate bands and international football.
The selection places the Volunteer marching band on one of the world’s largest stages, uniting the tradition and energy of American college football with the global passion of the World Cup. The band is set to deliver a dynamic performance that showcases the power of music, pageantry, and cross-cultural celebration.
“This is more than a performance—it’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to represent our university, our state, and our country on the global stage,” said Dr. Michael Stewart, director of the Pride of the Southland Band. “We’re honored and ready to make history.”
The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, with the Pride of the Southland Band’s halftime appearance expected to be a highlight of the international event.
