Madonna, Shakira, BTS Headlining First-Ever FIFA World Cup Final Halftime Show

FIFA is going all out for its first-ever World Cup Final halftime show, announcing Madonna, Shakira and BTS as performers late Wednesday.

The Queen of Pop, Latin megastar and K-pop legends will take the stage during the final match, which takes place July 19 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.

This summer’s tournament is already a historic one for the competition. FIFA expanded it to 48 teams for the first time, and it is taking a page from the Super Bowl in adding major music acts to the spectacle that is a World Cup Final.

“Madonna, Shakira and BTS are global icons whose music transcends borders and generations, and we are proud to welcome them to the first-ever FIFA World Cup Final Halftime Show curated by Chris Martin of Coldplay,” FIFA President Gianni Infantino said in a statement. “As the world comes together for the biggest match in football on 19 July 2026 in New York-New Jersey, this historic show will also shine a light on a greater purpose by supporting the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund and our shared mission to expand access to quality education and football opportunities for children worldwide. It will be a celebration of football, unity and shared humanity that will resonate far beyond the final whistle.”

Coldplay’s Chris Martin is curating the halftime show produced by Global Citizen. He announced the lineup on Instagram with a video featuring characters from Sesame Street and The Muppets. He tells Elmo that the halftime show is an opportunity to “show how amazing all different kinds of humans are.” The show will also raise funds for the Global Citizen Education Fund.

“I’ve spent my life doing two things — making songs and building schools. At the FIFA World Cup, those two paths come together,” Shakira said. “Standing alongside Madonna and BTS, I’ll be performing ‘Dai Dai,’ the song I created for this FIFA World Cup and for the kids around the world we will reach with the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund. My hope is that on the world’s biggest stage, the importance of investing in children’s education steals the show!”

Madonna recently announced a new album and made a surprise appearance during Sabrina Carpenter’s set at Coachella. Shakira and BTS are currently touring and will likely finish among the top-grossing performers of 2026.

“Performing at the FIFA World Cup final in support of the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund is deeply meaningful to me,” Madonna said. “Without education, children are denied opportunity before they even have a chance. Every child deserves access to quality learning — because education expands possibilities and creates lasting change.”

Such a lineup could boost the ratings for the final match. The 2022 final between Argentina and France drew 570.8 million viewers, according to FIFA.

“Music is the universal language of hope and harmony, and we’re honored to celebrate that power at the World Cup by connecting with millions of viewers around the world in support of children’s education,” said BTS.

Global Citizen Co-Founder and CEO Hugh Evans added, “The FIFA World Cup is the most unifying event on Earth. Together with FIFA and our curator Chris Martin of Coldplay, we wanted to create the first halftime moment in history focused on leaving a lasting legacy for children worldwide. By bringing together the world’s greatest artists, football, and a shared commitment to education, we have an opportunity to turn a defining cultural moment into enormous impact through the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund. My hope is that in a decade from now, we will see millions of lives impacted, because of this historic moment.”

Martin also curated the unique halftime show during the FIFA Club World Cup final last June at MetLife Stadium, headlined by Doja Cat, J Balvin and Tems.

Earlier this week, FIFA unveiled the list of performers for the opening ceremonies in each host nation. The first official match takes place June 11 at Mexico City’s iconic Azteca Stadium, and Alejandro Fernández, legendary Latin pop rock band Maná, Lila Downs, Danny Ocean, Belinda, J Balvin and Los Ángeles Azules will be part of that opening ceremony.

The U.S. opener against Paraguay on June 12 will be preceded by special performances by Katy Perry, rapper Future, South African star Tyla, Brazilian Singer Anitta and Rema.

Canada also opens the tournament June 12, taking on Bosnia Herzegovina at Toronto’s BMO Field. Their opening ceremony features Alanis Morissette, Alessia Cara, Elyanna, Jessie Reyez, Michael Bublé, Nora Fatehi, Vegedream, William Prince and Sanjoy.

Note: The article was updated to include statements from the artists and organizers.