FIFA officially confirmed that global music icons BTS, Shakira and Madonna will headline the groundbreaking performance during the FIFA World Cup final scheduled for July 19, 2026, at the New York New Jersey Stadium.
The halftime show will mark a major transformation in World Cup entertainment, as FIFA moves closer to the American-style sporting spectacle made famous by the NFL Super Bowl. The initiative is being organized in partnership with Global Citizen, while members of British band Coldplay are reportedly involved in curating the event.
According to FIFA President Gianni Infantino, the event will combine “music and football on the biggest stage in sport,” while also supporting the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund aimed at improving access to education for children worldwide.
The announcement has generated massive global reactions, with fans excited to see three of the biggest names in music share one stage during football’s biggest match. BTS’ inclusion is expected to attract millions of viewers from Asia and the global K-pop audience, while Shakira’s deep connection with World Cup music history adds another iconic layer to the show.
Shakira, who previously delivered legendary World Cup hits including “Waka Waka,” is also behind the official 2026 World Cup anthem “Dai Dai,” released ahead of the tournament.
Meanwhile, Madonna brings enormous halftime show experience, having previously headlined the Super Bowl halftime performance in 2012.
The historic entertainment show is expected to become one of the most-watched live performances in sporting history, further elevating the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico.
While many fans have welcomed the innovation, some traditional football supporters have raised concerns about the possible “Americanization” of football and the impact a halftime concert could have on the traditional flow of the game.
Nevertheless, FIFA appears determined to deliver a spectacular entertainment experience that blends football, music and global culture on an unprecedented scale.
With BTS, Shakira and Madonna all set to perform under one roof, the 2026 FIFA World Cup final is already shaping up to be one of the most iconic sporting events ever staged.