Por Renan Filho · 2026-10-20**Lead**
The National Football League has selected Irish rock band U2 to headline the halftime show during the league's first-ever Thanksgiving Eve game, scheduled for Wednesday, November 25, 2026. The announcement, made earlier today, sets the stage for a primetime matchup that will blend football with one of rock music's most enduring acts. U2, known for anthems like “With or Without You” and “Sunday Bloody Sunday,” will bring their signature blend of stadium rock and social consciousness to a national audience.
**Context**
U2’s relationship with the NFL dates back over two decades. The band performed at Super Bowl XXXVI in February 2002, delivering a poignant set that included “Beautiful Day” and a tribute to the victims of the September 11 attacks, with their names scrolling on a backdrop. That performance is widely regarded as one of the most memorable Super Bowl halftime shows in history, earning critical acclaim and a viewership spike.
Since then, the NFL has expanded its holiday programming. Thanksgiving Day games are a cherished tradition, with the Dallas Cowboys and Detroit Lions hosting annual contests. In recent years, the league has experimented with new slots, including a Black Friday game and a Wednesday night game on Thanksgiving Eve. The 2026 season marks the first time the league will broadcast a game on the night before Thanksgiving, and the halftime show is being positioned as a major attraction to draw viewers.
The choice of U2 reflects the league's strategy of pairing iconic musical acts with high-profile games. Past Thanksgiving halftime performers have included artists like Destiny’s Child and Dolly Parton for the Dallas Cowboys' halftime show, but the Thanksgiving Eve slot is unprecedented. U2’s global fan base and cross-generational appeal make them a logical pick for a night that aims to kick off the holiday weekend with both football and entertainment.
**Analise**
This move underscores the NFL’s ongoing effort to dominate television ratings during the holiday period. Thanksgiving weekend is one of the most competitive windows for live sports, with the league facing off against traditional holiday programming and streaming services. By introducing a new game on Wednesday night and booking a headline act like U2, the NFL is creating a multi-day event that extends from Wednesday through Sunday. The halftime show becomes a prime promotional vehicle, potentially reaching viewers who might not otherwise tune in for a midweek game.
For U2, the performance offers a chance to reassert their relevance in the American cultural landscape. The band has not toured extensively in recent years, with frontman Bono focusing on philanthropic work and other projects. A high-profile NFL halftime slot could serve as a teaser for a future tour or album release, generating buzz among both longtime fans and younger audiences who may know the band only through streaming playlists. The collaboration also highlights the growing synergy between sports leagues and legacy rock acts, a trend seen with artists like The Rolling Stones and Paul McCartney performing at Super Bowls.
However, the decision is not without its risks. U2’s political messaging—particularly Bono’s outspoken activism on issues like debt relief and human rights—could draw criticism in an era of polarized audiences. The band’s 2002 Super Bowl show was widely praised for its solemnity, but any overt political statements during the Thanksgiving Eve performance might spark controversy. The NFL has historically favored non-controversial acts for its biggest stages, and it remains to be seen how U2 will balance their artistic identity with the league’s brand guidelines.
**Fontes**
This report is based on an official announcement from the NFL, confirmed via the league’s press release earlier today. Additional context was drawn from historical records of U2’s discography and their 2002 Super Bowl performance, as documented by NFL Films and media archives. No specific public figures were interviewed for this article.