BTS, Madonna, and Shakira Set to Take the Stage at the World Cup Final Halftime Show
BTS, Madonna, and Shakira to Perform at World Cup Halftime Show
In an exciting announcement, FIFA has confirmed that South Korean boy band BTS, pop culture icon Madonna, and Latin music superstar Shakira will take the stage during the halftime show of the World Cup final on July 19 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. This landmark event is expected to draw global attention, combining music with the thrill of soccer.
The halftime performance aims to raise funds for the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund, which is targeting a $100 million goal to enhance educational access for children and promote engagement in soccer.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino expressed his enthusiasm on Instagram, stating, “The show will be a truly special moment, bringing together music, football, and a shared commitment to improving the lives of children around the world.”
Chris Martin, the lead singer of Coldplay, is curating the show, which will feature a diverse array of performances meant to celebrate the richness of global cultures. A promotional video hints at an appearance from a group of Muppets, adding an element of whimsy to the event. In the video, Martin tells Elmo, “It’s a chance to show how amazing all different kinds of humans are.”
This halftime concert is poised to be the first of its kind for a World Cup final, showcasing a unique blend of music that spans multiple generations and cultural backgrounds. Madonna previously headlined the Super Bowl XLVI halftime show in 2012, while Shakira co-headlined Super Bowl LIV with Jennifer Lopez in 2020, and Coldplay took the stage at Super Bowl 50 in 2016.
Although the exact duration of the halftime show has yet to be announced, it is expected to align with standard soccer halftime lengths, which do not exceed 15 minutes. Notably, Bad Bunny’s performance at Super Bowl LX earlier this year lasted 13 minutes.
Collectively, these three artists boast an impressive track record, with 20 No. 1 hits on Billboard’s Hot 100 chart, 10 Grammy Awards, and 37 MTV Video Music Awards. Shakira is also set to release “Dai Dai,” featuring Nigerian artist Burna Boy, as the official song for the 2026 World Cup later this month.
