NEW YORK (AP) — FIFA has announced that the upcoming World Cup final will feature an unprecedented halftime show headlined by global music icons Madonna, Shakira, and the popular boy band BTS. This marks the first time that such a Super Bowl-style concert will take place during the World Cup final, which will be hosted at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on July 19.
The initiative aims to benefit the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund, which seeks to raise $100 million to facilitate access to education and soccer for children worldwide. FIFA President Gianni Infantino expressed that this collaboration represents a convergence of music and football on a grand scale for a noble cause. He emphasized the importance of education, stating, “Not everyone can become a world champion, but everyone can become a little bit better by having the right education. So we embrace that.”
Chris Martin of Coldplay will curate the halftime show, a concept he developed four years ago while watching the preceding World Cup. Hugh Evans, CEO of the nonprofit organization Global Citizen, highlighted their partnership with FIFA to create a memorable musical experience during the event.
Shakira, who is also known for her philanthropic efforts through her Barefoot Foundation, expressed her excitement about the show, noting that her passion for music and education has finally converged at this World Cup. She hopes for the Colombian team to succeed and participate in the final match.
Halftime performances have become a hallmark of the Super Bowl, showcasing major celebrities in dynamic shows. Notable past performers have included Bad Bunny, Michael Jackson, Paul McCartney, the Rolling Stones, Madonna, Prince, Bruce Springsteen, and Rihanna. However, such halftime shows are rare in soccer, where typically only prematch concerts take place. For instance, the Killers are set to perform before the Champions League final on May 30, which features Paris Saint-Germain against Arsenal in Budapest.
Hugh Evans reassured soccer fans that the halftime show will be conducted with sensitivity towards the game's traditional structure, aiming to keep performances significantly shorter than the typical 15-minute interval during matches. He stated, “Soccer fans around the world can be rest assured knowing that we’re very respectful of the game.”
The production of the halftime show will be directed by Hamish Hamilton, famed for directing significant events including the London 2012 Olympic opening ceremony and numerous Super Bowl halftime performances.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup is co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, and the tournament will span through June and July.
