Global music icons BTS, Madonna and Shakira are set to co-headline the first-ever halftime show in FIFA World Cup history during the 2026 World Cup Final at MetLife Stadium on July 19.
FIFA officially announced that the landmark performance will take place during the final match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The event is being described as a “Super Bowl-style” halftime spectacle aimed at merging football, music, and global entertainment on one of the world’s biggest stages.
According to FIFA, the halftime show will be curated by Chris Martin of Coldplay and produced in partnership with Global Citizen, Live Nation, and Done + Dusted. The show will also support the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund, which aims to raise $100 million to improve children’s access to education and football opportunities worldwide.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino said the collaboration marks a historic moment for the sport and entertainment industries, adding that the event will celebrate “football, unity and shared humanity.” FIFA also confirmed that $1 from every ticket sold for World Cup matches will be donated to social impact projects connected to the initiative.
The announcement quickly generated massive reactions online, particularly among fans of BTS, whose appearance marks the group’s first major global sports event performance since completing military service. BTS member Jungkook previously performed the official FIFA World Cup song “Dreamers” during the 2022 World Cup opening ceremony in Qatar.
Shakira, meanwhile, has long been associated with FIFA after releasing World Cup anthems such as “Waka Waka (This Time for Africa)” in 2010 and “La La La (Brazil 2014).” Madonna’s inclusion adds another globally recognized pop figure to the historic lineup.
The halftime performance is expected to last around 11 minutes and will be broadcast live worldwide. FIFA described the event as a milestone in expanding the entertainment aspect of the tournament, similar to the NFL Super Bowl halftime tradition.
