FIFA have confirmed that Shakira, Madonna and BTS will headline the first-ever halftime show at the 2026 World Cup final this summer.
The performance will take place during the FIFA World Cup final on July 19 at MetLife Stadium, with organisers describing the event as a “singular moment” expected to attract a massive global audience.
The announcement marks a major shift in FIFA’s approach to entertainment around football’s biggest event, bringing a Super Bowl-style halftime production to the World Cup final for the first time in the tournament’s history.
FIFA Confirm First-Ever World Cup Final Halftime Show
Half-time performances have long been associated with events such as the Super Bowl, but remain uncommon in international football. FIFA’s decision marks a major shift in how the organisation is approaching entertainment and global audience engagement around its biggest event.
The lineup was announced by Chris Martin, the lead singer of Coldplay, who is curating the show. The announcement itself took a light-hearted approach, featuring several Sesame Street characters discussing potential performers before confirming the final lineup.
Shakira, Madonna and BTS Reflect FIFA’s Global Audience
The selection of artists reflects the international nature of the World Cup itself, bringing together performers from multiple regions and music markets.
Shakira, who is set to release the official World Cup song “Dai Dai” alongside Nigerian artist Burna Boy, is already closely linked with FIFA tournaments after previously performing “Waka Waka” in 2010 and “La La La” in 2014.
Meanwhile, Madonna is preparing to release her new album Confessions on a Dance Floor II in July, while BTS will return to the stage after a near four-year hiatus following military service and solo projects.
Questions Remain Over World Cup Final Match Schedule
Despite the excitement surrounding the announcement, questions still remain over how the halftime show will fit within traditional football scheduling.
Halftime in football typically lasts 15 minutes, although organisers have yet to confirm the expected duration of the performance. FIFA previously experimented with a halftime-style entertainment show during last summer’s Club World Cup final, which featured performances from Doja Cat, J Balvin and Tems.
FIFA also confirmed that the event will support the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund, which aims to raise $100 million to improve access to football and education for children around the world.
