FIFA World Cup 2026 Final Halftime Show: Madonna, Shakira and BTS to Co-Headline at MetLife Stadium
FIFA officially confirmed on May 14, 2026 that three of the biggest names in global music — Madonna, Shakira, and BTS — will co-headline the first-ever halftime show in FIFA World Cup Final history, set for July 19 at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.
A Historic First for the World Cup Final
For the first time in the 96-year history of the FIFA World Cup, the tournament's final will feature a dedicated halftime entertainment show. The announcement, made official by FIFA on May 14, 2026, marks a landmark shift in how the world's most-watched sporting event presents itself to a global audience estimated at over one billion viewers.
The show, clocking in at approximately 11 minutes, will take place at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey — the largest venue of the entire 2026 FIFA World Cup with a capacity of 82,500. The stadium will host eight matches in total during the tournament, including the grand final on July 19.
The Performers: Three Icons, One Stage
The lineup is nothing short of historic. Each of the three headliners brings a unique dimension to the event:
- Shakira — The Colombian pop superstar has an unbreakable bond with FIFA. Her 2010 World Cup anthem "Waka Waka (This Time for Africa)" remains the best-selling World Cup song of all time, and her 2014 track "La La La (Brazil 2014)" was equally iconic. For millions of fans, Shakira's voice is the sound of the World Cup.
- Madonna — The Queen of Pop needs no introduction. With a career spanning over four decades and more than 300 million records sold worldwide, Madonna brings unmatched star power to what promises to be one of the most-watched performances in television history.
- BTS — The South Korean septet are arguably the biggest music group on the planet. With a dedicated global fanbase (the BTS ARMY) numbering in the tens of millions, their inclusion signals FIFA's ambition to make the 2026 World Cup a truly universal cultural event. BTS were already FIFA's official soundtrack contributors in 2022 with their hit "Dreamers."
Chris Martin as Creative Curator
The halftime show will be curated by Chris Martin, the Coldplay frontman who has become one of the most sought-after creative forces in large-scale live events. Martin's involvement adds an artistic dimension to the show beyond pure entertainment — Coldplay themselves are known for spectacular visual productions at their concerts, and his curatorial vision is expected to tie the performances into a coherent, emotional whole.
The show is being produced by Global Citizen in partnership with Live Nation and Done + Dusted, three organisations with extensive experience in major live broadcasts and humanitarian events.
A Show With a Cause
Unlike a typical entertainment spectacle, the FIFA World Cup 2026 Final Halftime Show is tied to a concrete humanitarian mission. The show supports the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund, an initiative aimed at raising USD 100 million to expand access to quality education and football opportunities for children around the world.
The Sesame Street Muppets will also make a special appearance during the show — a nod to generations of children who grew up with the programme's message of inclusive learning, reinforcing the event's educational theme.
Where and When to Watch
The halftime show will be broadcast live as part of the FIFA World Cup 2026 Final coverage on July 19, 2026. All major rights-holders worldwide — including Fox Sports and Telemundo in the USA, BBC and ITV in the UK, and national broadcasters across every continent — will carry the broadcast. The performance begins at halftime of the final, expected around the 45-minute mark of the match.
For fans attending in person at MetLife Stadium, the experience will be amplified by a world-class stage production with lighting, video, and pyrotechnics designed for an 82,500-seat stadium.
Want to know more about how to follow the tournament? Check out our guide to everything you need to know about FIFA World Cup 2026.
The World Cup's Entertainment Evolution
FIFA has long featured opening ceremonies and musical acts tied to the tournament, and the official 2026 anthem "Dai Dai" was released months ahead of the tournament. But elevating the Final itself with a dedicated halftime production is a new chapter — one clearly inspired by the NFL Super Bowl model, which has turned its halftime show into a global cultural event in its own right.
With Madonna's global reach, Shakira's deep FIFA heritage, BTS's unprecedented fandom, Chris Martin's curatorial vision, and a cause worth fighting for, the 2026 World Cup Final Halftime Show is positioned to be the most-watched musical performance in history.
Frequently Asked Questions
The halftime show takes place during the 2026 FIFA World Cup Final on July 19, 2026 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA. It will occur at halftime of the final match.
Madonna, Shakira, and BTS will co-headline the show. The Sesame Street Muppets will also make a special appearance. The event is curated by Chris Martin of Coldplay.
Yes. This is the first-ever dedicated halftime entertainment show in the history of the FIFA World Cup Final, marking a historic moment for the tournament.
The FIFA World Cup 2026 Final Halftime Show is approximately 11 minutes long.
The show is produced by Global Citizen in partnership with Live Nation and Done + Dusted, and curated creatively by Chris Martin of Coldplay. It supports the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund with a fundraising target of USD 100 million.