The world is set to witness a historic event as the first-ever halftime show during the FIFA World Cup final takes center stage. This milestone moment in the tournament’s nearly 100-year history will feature performances from the K-pop supergroup BTS, Rock & Roll Hall of Famer Madonna, and Colombian singer-songwriter Shakira. The World Cup final is scheduled to be held on July 19 at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.
FIFA and the nonprofit organisation Global Citizen revealed the lineup for this Super Bowl-style halftime show on May 14 through an announcement video posted on Instagram. In the video, Coldplay’s Chris Martin was joined by a unique cast that included Elmo, Kermit the Frog, Miss Piggy, and Cookie Monster. The characters humorously mentioned that BTS’ hit song “Butter” was not only the monster’s favorite track but also an ingredient in their cookies.
When Elmo asked Martin what a halftime show was, the Grammy-winning artist explained that it is an event where people come together to enjoy singing, dancing, and music. “It’s a chance to show how amazing all different kinds of humans are,” Martin added. “And we get to raise some money for children’s education.”
According to FIFA, the halftime show will serve a greater purpose beyond entertainment. It will raise funds for the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund, which aims to improve access to quality education and soccer for children around the world.
Key Details About the Event
- Headliners: The performance will be led by BTS, Madonna, and Shakira, each bringing their unique style and global influence to the stage.
- Location: The event will take place at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, one of the largest and most iconic sports venues in the United States.
- Purpose: Beyond the music, the halftime show is designed to support educational initiatives for children globally.
The Role of the Halftime Show
The halftime show has become a significant part of major sporting events, offering a platform for artists to connect with audiences while promoting social causes. This year’s show is no exception, with a focus on raising awareness and funds for education.
Chris Martin’s involvement adds another layer of significance, as he has long been an advocate for global issues, particularly those related to children’s rights and education. His collaboration with characters from Sesame Street highlights the inclusive and family-friendly nature of the event.
The Impact of Music on Global Causes
Music has always played a vital role in uniting people across cultures and borders. By bringing together top artists like BTS, Madonna, and Shakira, the FIFA World Cup halftime show is set to create a powerful message about the importance of education and opportunity for all.
This event also underscores the growing trend of using high-profile platforms to address pressing global challenges. From climate change to poverty, the intersection of entertainment and activism continues to shape public consciousness and drive meaningful action.
Late on May 13, eagle-eyed fans noticed that Madonna and the FIFA World Cup Instagram accounts began following each other. The Queen of Pop performed with Sabrina Carpenter at Coachella in April and will release “Confessions II,” the follow-up to 2005’s “Confessions on a Dance Floor,” on July 3.
BTS, whose members recently completed their mandatory military service in South Korea, released its fifth studio album, “ARIRANG,” on March 20. It debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200. RM, Jin, SUGA, j-hope, Jimin, V, and Jung Kook are currently on a world tour, with stops in Stanford, California and Las Vegas in May. The tour returns to the States with shows this August in Chicago and Los Angeles in Sept. The group has earned six No. 1 singles on the Billboard Hot 100 since 2020 and sells out stadiums across the world.
Shakira, the best-selling female Latin artist of all time, is no stranger to the World Cup. The Grammy-winner released “Dai Dai,” the official song of the 2026 World Cup, May 14. The single features Nigerian artist Burna Boy. Shakira also sang the 2010 World Cup anthem “Waka Waka” when the tournament was held in South Africa.
Global Citizen will produce the halftime show, with assistance from Martin, who is also no stranger to FIFA. Martin also assisted Global Citizen with the first-ever FIFA Club World Cup final halftime show, which took place in 2025 for professional clubs (vs. national teams) at MetLife Stadium. In addition to performances from J. Balvin, Doja Cat and Tems, Coldplay surprised the audience with a rendition of “A Sky Full of Stars.”
Martin joined Global Citizen, a nonprofit that aims to end world hunger, in 2015 as its international festival curator.
Who else will perform at the 2026 World Cup?
FIFA will host three opening ceremonies, one for each of the host country’s (Mexico, the United States and Canada) opening match in the group stages. Each will feature performances from some of the top music artists representing the host nations and their opponents.
Rockers Maná, Alejandro Fernández, Belinda, Danny Ocean, J Balvin, Lila Downs, Los Ángeles Azules and South African singer Tyla will perform at the June 11 game in Mexico City.
Katy Perry will perform at the US opener June 12 in Los Angeles, along with Future, Anitta, LISA, Rema and Tyla.
Canadians Michael Bublé, Alanis Morissette and Alessia Cara will hit the stage at the June 12 kickoff match in Toronto. Elyanna, Jessie Reyez, Nora Fatehi, Sanjoy, Vegedream and William Prince will also perform.
FIFA is releasing an official album, including the single “Lighter” by Jelly Roll, Carín León and Cirkut.
Who performed at the 1994 World Cup Final?
The 2026 World Cup, which will be co-hosted by the US, Canada and Mexico, is the second time that World Cup games will be played in the States. The US hosted the 1994 World Cup, an event that drew over 3.5 million fans to venues across the country. It led directly to the creation of Major League Soccer. And according to the then-head of US Soccer, almost produced the first halftime show.
“We had Whitney Houston to do the halftime show,” Alan Rothenberg, former president of US Soccer who oversaw that World Cup, said to USA TODAY. “We wanted to do it Super Bowl-style. FIFA would not allow us to do it.”
Instead, Houston performed during the closing ceremony, which was originally scheduled to take place 50 minutes before the final match. According to the Los Angeles Times, FIFA executives were concerned with the players having enough time to warm up, so the start time for the ceremony was moved up an additional half hour.
“We just did everything and anything under the sun to make it more than just a soccer tournament,” Rothenberg continued. “Obviously, we were successful. The result is a lot of people who became interested in the tournament became soccer fans.”
Contributing: Nancy Armour, USA TODAY; Victoria Hernandez, USA TODAY
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: BTS, Madonna, Shakira to headline first World Cup halftime show
As the world eagerly awaits the July 19 match, the halftime show promises to be a celebration of music, culture, and community. With its star-studded lineup and noble cause, it is sure to leave a lasting impression on fans and non-fans alike.
