A New Era of Music and Unity
Shakira has shared her thoughts on the upcoming FIFA World Cup 2026 final halftime show, which will feature a performance by Madonna and BTS. She described it as a “completely different” experience compared to the Super Bowl, emphasizing that this event is more than just entertainment. According to Shakira, the halftime show is designed to promote unity and support children’s education around the world.
Speaking with Billboard News, Shakira reflected on the significance of the event. “The Super Bowl experience was incredible for me… This time we’re going to be combining the passion for football and music for a good cause,” she said. The show, set to take place on July 19 at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, will be the first-ever halftime performance during a FIFA World Cup final. It is expected to last around 11 minutes and is being curated by Global Citizen alongside Chris Martin of Coldplay.
A Unique Purpose
What makes this event stand out from previous performances is its deeper purpose. The idea for the halftime show began four years ago during the last World Cup, when Global Citizen approached Shakira about creating something new for football’s biggest stage. The organizers aimed to go beyond just a spectacle and instead focus on global unity.
“We wanted to have a moment where if you look down on planet Earth and you saw this halftime show, you would feel this incredible spirit of unity,” Shakira explained. The event is also intended to highlight the importance of investing in children’s education globally. This mission has already started to resonate with fans.
According to Global Citizen, BTS fans — known as ARMY — raised over $10,000 almost immediately after the announcement, without even being asked. Their contribution supports the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund, which aims to raise $100 million to expand access to education and football for children worldwide.
A Star-Studded Lineup
The halftime show will bring together artists who are no strangers to major sporting events. Shakira has performed at multiple World Cups and recorded the iconic 2010 anthem ‘Waka Waka (This Time for Africa)’. This will be Madonna’s first major World Cup performance, although she has previously headlined the Super Bowl halftime show in 2012.
Shakira also co-headlined the 2020 Super Bowl halftime show alongside Jennifer Lopez, while Lopez herself performed at the 2014 FIFA World Cup opening ceremony. This crossover between football and pop superstardom highlights the growing intersection of sports and music.
A Moment for the World
As the FIFA World Cup 2026 approaches, the halftime show promises to be a unique and meaningful event. With its focus on unity and education, it sets itself apart from other high-profile performances. The collaboration between top artists and global organizations like Global Citizen shows a commitment to making a lasting impact.
Fans are already showing their support, with BTS fans contributing to the cause before being officially asked. This level of engagement suggests that the event could have a significant effect beyond just entertainment.
Whether the FIFA World Cup halftime show will rival or surpass the Super Bowl remains to be seen. However, one thing is clear: this event is not just about music, but about making a difference in the world.
