For the first time in its history, the 2026 FIFA World Cup Final match will feature a halftime show – a move no doubt influenced by the host country’s Super Bowl Halftime Show tradition. Latin megastar Shakira, Queen of Pop Madonna, and K-Pop supergroup BTS are set to co-headline the inaugural show, to be held on July 19 at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.
Coldplay frontman Chris Martin is curating the show, produced in partnership with Global Citizen to raise money and awareness for the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund. The live stage will reportedly have an 11-minute runtime a la the Super Bowl version. Just like every World Cup before it, it is expected to be the most watched live event of the year. The World Cup final four years ago – which saw Argentina beat France in a dramatic match – was watched by 1.5 billion fans worldwide.
“Madonna, Shakira and BTS are global icons whose music transcends borders and generations, and we are proud to welcome them to the first-ever FIFA World Cup Final Halftime Show curated by Chris Martin of Coldplay,” FIFA President Gianni Infantino said in a statement published on FIFA’s official website.
In addition to these performers, the Muppets from Sesame Street will also make their appearances throughout the ceremony. The inclusion of these beloved children’s icons is part of FIFA’s ongoing effort to ensure education access for children around the world.
The diverse array of co-headliners not only reinforces the tournament’s aim to bring together “football, music and social impact on the world’s biggest stage”, but also an acknowledgement of the sport’s global appeal. BTS, Madonna, and Shakira join other international stars like Tyla, Lisa, Michael Buble, and Katy Perry – who will perform at the World Cup’s opening ceremonies to be held simultaneously in Canada, USA, and Mexico.