Madonna and Shakira are set to join K-pop phenomenon BTS to headline the inaugural halftime show for a FIFA World Cup final at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, FIFA announced.
Chris Martin, the lead vocalist of Coldplay, will curate the event, which is scheduled for July 19, the competition’s organisers said.
FIFA’s announcement
FIFA president Gianni Infantino said the final’s halftime programme will be a standout occasion that blends music and football while reflecting a shared mission to improve children’s lives worldwide.
Infantino added that the show will help back the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund, with a focus on expanding opportunities for children to access high-quality education and football across the globe.
World Cup 2026 details
The 48-team World Cup, co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico, will take place from June 11 to July 19. The expanded tournament will include 104 matches—an increase from the 64 played in the previous edition—along with an extra knockout stage.
Halftime show test run
FIFA also pointed to last year’s Club World Cup in North America, which acted as a rehearsal for the World Cup itself and featured a halftime show with performances from American rapper Doja Cat, Colombian artist J Balvin and Nigerian singer Tems.
