U2's 16th studio album, Carnaval De Luz, comes out on Friday, November 13, 2026, on Island Records. The band revealed the date on Thursday, October 15, along with its third single, "The Greatest Show On Earth," which they co-wrote with Brian Eno.
It is U2's first album of new material since Songs of Experience in 2017, NME noted.
Quick facts
- Album: Carnaval De Luz, U2's 16th studio record
- Release date: Friday, November 13, 2026
- Label: Island
- Latest single: "The Greatest Show On Earth," the album's third
- Co-writer: Brian Eno
- Video: directed by Anton Corbijn in the California desert
- Tour: Carnaval De Luz Presents: The Greatest Show On Earth, from February 2027
What is "The Greatest Show On Earth" about?
According to the band's description, the song tells "a story of lovers fighting to keep faith in each other, and faith itself." Music.mxdwn reported that the video casts U2 as a religious cult in which women do all the heavy lifting.
The video is by Anton Corbijn, the Dutch photographer and director whose relationship with the band goes back to the early 1980s.
Why is this album a big deal?
- Nine years. The band's last record of brand-new songs was Songs of Experience (2017). Songs of Surrender (2023) was re-recordings of older songs.
- 50 years. U2 formed in Dublin in 1976. In September they played surprise anniversary shows there, including one at their old school, Mount Temple, NME reported.
- Back on the road. The album sets up U2's first stadium tour since 2019. Drummer Larry Mullen Jr., who missed the Las Vegas Sphere residency after surgery, is returning.
What has not been announced?
As of Sunday, October 19, the tracklist and producer credits were not included in the coverage we reviewed. We will update this page when they are.
When can I see U2 play it live?
The tour opens in Mexico City on February 23, 2027, with Beck as support. Dates and ticket times are in our U2 2027 tour guide.
