FIFA has announced that the first-ever halftime show for a World Cup final will feature global music stars Shakira, Madonna and K-pop group BTS, marking a historic entertainment addition to football’s biggest match.
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The performance will take place during the FIFA World Cup final on July 19 at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. The event is part of FIFA’s expanded entertainment strategy for the 2026 tournament, which will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico.
BTS, Madonna and Shakira – the stars performing at the first ever World Cup half-time show. pic.twitter.com/fWSuwZ6bOQ
— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) May 14, 2026
According to FIFA, Coldplay frontman Chris Martin will curate the halftime show, bringing together a lineup designed to blend music, sport and global culture. Shakira is also listed as a lead artist on the official World Cup anthem titled “Dai Dai.”
FIFA President Gianni Infantino said the halftime show will be a “truly special moment,” highlighting its aim to unite music and football while supporting global social initiatives. He added that the event will contribute to the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund, which focuses on improving access to education and football opportunities for children worldwide.
The 2026 World Cup will be the largest in history, featuring 48 teams and 104 matches, an expansion from the previous 32-team format. The tournament will run from June 11 to July 19 across multiple cities in North America.
FIFA has been increasingly integrating large-scale entertainment into its events. A similar approach was tested during last year’s Club World Cup in North America, which featured halftime performances by artists including Doja Cat, J Balvin and Tems.
The inclusion of a halftime show in the World Cup final reflects FIFA’s efforts to align the tournament more closely with global entertainment trends, similar to the Super Bowl’s high-profile musical performances.
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Organisers say the combination of top-tier musical acts and the World Cup final aims to create a global cultural moment that extends beyond sport, reaching wider audiences around the world.