NEW YORK – The halftime show of the FIFA World Cup Final could be one of the most-watched events in television history. However, it might not have taken place if it weren’t for a simple phone call made by the lead singer of one of the world’s biggest bands.
For the first time in its nearly 100-year history, the FIFA World Cup Final will feature a halftime show. K-pop sensation BTS, Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee Madonna, and Grammy-winning artist Shakira are set to perform on July 19 before the second half of the 2026 World Cup championship at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.
Musical performances have long been a part of the tournament, typically held before the final match begins. However, the idea for a global halftime show during the 2026 World Cup was an ambitious vision that took years to materialize.
A Vision That Took Years to Realize
Hugh Evans, co-founder and CEO of Global Citizen, explains that the concept for the 2026 World Cup halftime show was born from a mission to end extreme poverty. In 2008, he launched the organization with a focus on social activism. By 2012, Global Citizen had organized its first festival, which brought together musicians and activists to raise awareness about global issues.
The event was a massive success, leading to $1.3 billion in commitments to address challenges such as poverty, malaria, and polio. Then, in 2015, Evans received a call from Chris Martin, the lead singer of Coldplay. This conversation would change the course of Global Citizen’s work.
How Chris Martin Helped Shape the Future
Martin, known for his hit “Viva La Vida,” reached out to Evans with a bold idea: to collaborate with the United Nations to promote the Sustainable Development Goals. Their partnership led to the 2015 Global Citizen Festival in Central Park, featuring Coldplay, Beyoncé, Ed Sheeran, and Pearl Jam.
Martin continued to support Global Citizen, organizing festivals in India, Germany, South Africa, and Ghana. He also traveled to countries like Ghana, Mexico, and Haiti to learn more about fair trade policies and their impact on communities. Additionally, he curated a four-track EP, with all proceeds going to Global Citizen.
Evans describes Martin as a visionary and one of the greatest songwriters of their generation. While he admits he is biased, the numbers back up his claim — Coldplay has sold over 160 million records and won six Grammys.
A Major Step Forward
Even with such an impressive resume, securing the opportunity to produce a halftime show for the World Cup — which drew 1.5 billion viewers in 2022 — required more than just talent. It needed trust and collaboration.
Evans met with FIFA president Gianni Infantino to discuss the idea of a halftime show for the Club World Cup, which was scheduled for 2025. This event served as a test run for the larger World Cup halftime show.
A Partnership That Delivers Results
The Club World Cup Final featured major headliners such as J Balvin, Doja Cat, Tems, and a surprise appearance by Coldplay. The event was well-received and helped raise funds for the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund, which aims to improve access to quality education and soccer for children worldwide.
A dollar from every ticket sold went to the fund, which has already raised $47 million, with a goal of reaching $100 million by the 2026 World Cup final.
A Halftime Show for Everyone
The 2026 World Cup halftime show will be an inclusive and multi-generational event. Characters from Sesame Street, including Kermit, Miss Piggy, Elmo, and Cookie Monster, will participate. Shakira, one of the performers, will also donate all proceeds from her tournament song “Dai Dai” to the initiative.
Evans praised Martin for his dedication and passion, saying, “I think that’s why we’re also excited to work together to achieve something bigger than all of us.”
