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World Cup final to feature first-ever halftime show
The FIFA World Cup final on 19 July in New Jersey will make history with its inaugural halftime performance, featuring global stars Madonna, Shakira, and K-pop sensation BTS.
Star-studded lineup announced
Colombian superstar Shakira, known for her 2010 World Cup anthem Waka Waka (This Time for Africa), will release the tournament's official song Dai Dai-an Italian phrase meaning "let's go"-on Thursday. The track also features Nigerian artist Burna Boy.
Madonna, the best-selling female artist of all time, is set to release her 15th studio album, Confessions II, on 3 July. The 67-year-old recently made a surprise appearance at Coachella, performing Vogue and Like A Prayer with Sabrina Carpenter.
BTS, South Korea's top-selling music act with over 45 million albums sold, will perform during their ongoing 85-date world tour. The group returns after a three-year hiatus for mandatory military service and previously collaborated with Coldplay on the 2021 hit My Universe.
Historic moment for FIFA
FIFA President Gianni Infantino called the halftime show "a historic moment for the FIFA World Cup," fitting for the world's largest sporting event. The performance, curated by Coldplay's Chris Martin, will support the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund, aiming to raise $100 million (£73 million) for children's education worldwide.
Tournament details
The 2026 World Cup, co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, will conclude with the final at New Jersey's MetLife Stadium. While pre-match performances at events like the Champions League final are common, this marks the first halftime show in World Cup history.
What to expect
The halftime show promises a fusion of pop, Latin, and K-pop influences, reflecting the global appeal of the tournament. Fans can anticipate high-energy performances from three of music's most iconic acts.
