LOS ANGELES, October 20, 2026 â U2 will return to the NFL halftime stage after 24 years, headlining the league’s first-ever Thanksgiving Eve game on November 25. The Irish rock band will perform during the Green Bay Packers’ matchup against the Los Angeles Rams at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California, with the game streaming live on Netflix.
One of the biggest bands on the planet. One of the biggest stages in sports. U2 takes the field at halftime on Thanksgiving Eve during Packers vs. Rams â November 25 at SoFi Stadium and LIVE on Netflix. https://t.co/G4nJ19amr4
— NFL (@NFL) October 20, 2026
The announcement comes as U2 celebrates 50 years since forming in Dublin in 1976. It also marks the band’s first NFL halftime appearance since its memorable 2002 Super Bowl performance, bringing one of rock music’s most established stadium acts to Netflix’s expanding live sports coverage.
U2 Thanksgiving Eve Halftime Show: Date, Time and Netflix Schedule
The Packers-Rams game kicks off Wednesday, November 25, at 8 p.m. ET (5 p.m. PT), with Netflix’s pregame coverage scheduled to begin at 6 p.m. ET.
- Performer: U2
- Date: Wednesday, November 25, 2026
- Game: Green Bay Packers vs. Los Angeles Rams
- Venue: SoFi Stadium, Inglewood, California
- Kickoff: 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT
- Streaming: Netflix
- Producer: Jesse Collins Entertainment
- Halftime start: Not officially announced
The performance will begin after the second quarter, but its exact start time depends on the game’s progress. Viewers planning to watch U2 should tune in before halftime.
U2 Returns 24 Years After Its Historic Super Bowl Performance
U2 last appeared at an NFL halftime show during Super Bowl XXXVI on February 3, 2002, in New Orleans.
That performance included a tribute to victims of the September 11 attacks, with names displayed behind the band. Frontman Bono also revealed an American flag inside his jacket during the show.
The upcoming performance carries an unusual connection: the Rams also played in that Super Bowl, losing 20-17 to the New England Patriots.
U2’s return nearly a quarter-century later comes during the band’s 50th anniversary year. Its longtime members include Bono, The Edge, Adam Clayton and Larry Mullen Jr.
The group has won 22 Grammy Awards and built a global following through songs including “Beautiful Day,” “With or Without You” and “Where the Streets Have No Name.”
Netflix Brings U2 to Its Growing NFL Halftime Lineup
Netflix has increasingly combined live football with major music performances.
Beyoncé headlined halftime entertainment during the Ravens-Texans Christmas Day game in 2024, while Snoop Dogg performed during the Lions-Vikings Christmas matchup in 2025.
Jesse Collins Entertainment, which has produced major televised entertainment events, will oversee U2’s Thanksgiving Eve performance.
Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos praised the band’s ability to create memorable live moments when announcing the show.
The NFL’s official announcement confirms the November 25 event and U2’s involvement.
Packers vs. Rams Opens a New NFL Thanksgiving Tradition
The halftime concert accompanies an important NFC matchup featuring Green Bay quarterback Jordan Love and Los Angeles quarterback Matthew Stafford.
The Rams entered the 2026 season following a 12-5 campaign and an NFC Championship Game appearance. The game also brings together head coaches Sean McVay and Matt LaFleur.
Scheduling football on Thanksgiving Eve gives the NFL an additional holiday broadcast ahead of its traditional Thanksgiving Day games and Black Friday matchup.
The event joins a busy American holiday entertainment calendar, including the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade 2026, which celebrates its 100th anniversary.
How to Watch U2’s Halftime Show in the US, UK and India
The game and halftime performance will stream live on Netflix, with no separate pay-per-view purchase required for subscribers.
The scheduled kickoff times are:
- United States (ET): November 25, 8 p.m.
- United States (PT): November 25, 5 p.m.
- United Kingdom: November 26, 1 a.m. GMT
- India: November 26, 6:30 a.m. IST
- Australia (Sydney): November 26, noon AEDT
Netflix’s international distribution is expected to reach more than 200 countries. Local television coverage will also be available in the competing teams’ US markets.
U2 Halftime Setlist and Special Guests Still Unconfirmed
As of October 20, the NFL and Netflix have not announced U2’s official setlist, guest performers or exact performance length.
The appearance comes amid reports of a new U2 album, “Carnaval de Luz,” scheduled for November 13, although no songs from that project have been confirmed for halftime.
Fans following major televised performances can also check the Golden Globes 2027 schedule and host details for another upcoming entertainment event.
Further announcements are expected to clarify U2’s performance plans ahead of November 25, when the band returns to the NFL stage for the first time since 2002.
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