Madonna, Shakira, BTS to Headline FIFA World Cup Final Halftime Show
The International Federation of Association Football made a groundbreaking announcement on Wednesday night, revealing that Madonna, Shakira, and BTS will be co-headlining the first-ever FIFA World Cup halftime show. Coldplay’s Chris Martin and Elmo shared the news in a teaser trailer alongside beloved Muppet characters like Ms. Piggy and Kermit. The star-studded lineup was hand-selected by Martin and Elmo, with proceeds from the show going towards the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund, aiming to raise $100 million for expanding access to quality education and football for children worldwide.
The highly-anticipated FIFA World Cup Finals are scheduled to take place on Sunday, July 19, at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. Known for its massive viewership, the 2022 World Cup match attracted over 500 million live viewers, surpassing even the most-watched Super Bowl in history. This year’s event promises to be even more spectacular with the addition of iconic musical performances from Madonna, Shakira, and BTS.
FIFA introduced halftime entertainment during the 2025 Club World Cup, featuring Doja Cat, Tems, and J Balvin selected by Chris Martin. This innovative approach to engaging fans has been met with great enthusiasm and is set to elevate the World Cup experience to new heights.
The upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup will mark a historic moment as the tournament returns to the United States for the first time since 1994, which holds the record for the most attended World Cup in history. Kicking off on June 11, the 2026 event will be broadcasted on Fox Sports and Telemundo for American audiences to enjoy the thrilling matches and captivating performances.
With an impressive lineup of musical talents and a commitment to supporting global education initiatives, the FIFA World Cup halftime show promises to be an unforgettable experience for fans around the world. Stay tuned for more updates and exciting announcements as the countdown to the World Cup Finals begins.
