FIFA announces first World Cup final halftime show with Bieber, Madonna, Shakira, BTS

The 2026 FIFA World Cup final will feature its first-ever halftime show, an 11-minute musical spectacle inspired by the Super Bowl, set for July 19 at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. The lineup includes Madonna, Shakira, BTS, Justin Bieber, Burna Boy, Coldplay, conductor Gustavo Dudamel, and the PS22 Chorus, with appearances by Muppets and Sesame Street characters. The show, curated by Coldplay's Chris Martin, will extend the traditional 15-minute halftime to 25–30 minutes to allow for stage setup Source: ABC.es, Clarin.

Charitable cause

The event supports the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund, aiming to raise $100 million for children's education and football access. FIFA has already collected over $50 million, partly by donating $1 from each ticket sold Source: Infobae, El Caribe.

Mixed reactions

While the show marks a cultural milestone, some critics view it as an Americanization of football. Euronews noted the "chocante americanización" and referenced controversial hydration breaks Source: Euronews. Despite this, organizers expect a historic global audience; Hugh Evans of Global Citizen called it "the largest gathering of artists united for a cause since Live Aid" Source: Euronews.