The 2026 FIFA World Cup final is set to feature a major entertainment spectacle alongside football for the first time in the tournament’s history.
FIFA has announced that global music stars Madonna, Shakira and BTS will perform during a Super Bowl-style halftime show at the final in New Jersey.
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FIFA announces historic halftime show
FIFA confirmed that Madonna, Shakira and BTS will headline the first-ever halftime show during the World Cup final on July 19, 2026, at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. The event will be curated by Chris Martin of Coldplay and produced in partnership with Global Citizen.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino described the show as “a historic moment for the FIFA World Cup and a show befitting the biggest sporting event in the world", as per Hindustan Times.
The halftime performance will support the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund, which aims to improve access to education and football for children worldwide. Reports said one dollar from every ticket sold for the final will go toward the initiative.
Shakira returns to the World Cup stage
Shakira will once again be associated with the FIFA World Cup after previously performing at the 2006 and 2014 finals and creating the 2010 anthem “Waka Waka”. The singer recently teased a new World Cup song titled “Dai Dai”, produced with Nigerian artist Burna Boy.
The announcement also marks another major FIFA appearance for BTS following Jungkook’s performance at the 2022 World Cup opening ceremony in Qatar.
Meanwhile, Madonna will bring her experience from major global sporting events, including the 2012 Super Bowl halftime show.
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Madonna, Shakira and BTS will co-headline the first-ever FIFA World Cup Final Halftime Show at the New York New Jersey Stadium on July 19.
— Coldplay (@coldplay) May 14, 2026
Curated by Coldplay's Chris Martin and produced by Global Citizen, the show will raise funds for the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund, pic.twitter.com/H2c2mc9q0b
World Cup final to mirror Super Bowl-style entertainment
The halftime show signals FIFA’s growing push toward large-scale entertainment around football events. The idea follows halftime performances at the 2024 Copa América final and the FIFA Club World Cup final held at MetLife Stadium.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup, jointly hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico, will be the biggest edition of the tournament yet, featuring 48 teams and 104 matches.
