Global music icons Madonna, Shakira, and the South Korean boy band BTS are set to headline the inaugural half-time show at the World Cup final. This landmark performance will take place at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on Sunday, July 19, 2026.
Event Details
The half-time show announcement came from Coldplay’s frontman, Chris Martin, who revealed the line-up through a social media video featuring beloved characters from Sesame Street and the Muppets. FIFA President Gianni Infantino also shared details of the event on Instagram.
Key Information
- Event: World Cup Final Half-Time Show
- Date: July 19, 2026
- Location: MetLife Stadium, New Jersey
- Performers: Madonna, Shakira, BTS
This half-time show aims to support the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund, which is working towards raising $100 million to enhance children’s access to education and football worldwide. Notably, the duration of the performance may exceed the traditional 15 minutes.
Historical Context
Half-time entertainment has become a significant aspect of major sporting events in the United States, especially during the Super Bowl. Madonna previously headlined the Super Bowl half-time show in 2012, and Shakira performed alongside Jennifer Lopez in 2020.
In 2023, FIFA successfully organized a half-time performance at the MetLife Stadium during the Club World Cup final, where Chelsea triumphed over Paris Saint-Germain. The upcoming 2026 World Cup will feature a record 48 teams and is being jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, starting on June 11.
