Chris Martin

Former D.C. United player and coach Wayne Rooney, serving as a BBC pundit during the 2026 World Cup final in New Jersey, delivered a scathing critique of FIFA's controversial halftime show. Asked for his highlight, Rooney bluntly stated, 'I'll be honest, mine was when it finished,' and called the performance 'c***,' adding it was 'too flat' despite featuring artists like Madonna, BTS, Justin Bieber, Shakira, and Burna Boy. The show, curated by Coldplay's Chris Martin and including The Muppets, was staged to support the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund. The extended interval lasted over 27 minutes, far exceeding the standard 15-minute break, which Rooney and others criticized as violating the sport's fabric. Spain defeated defending champions Argentina 1-0 in extra time on a goal by Ferran Torres to win their second World Cup title.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 20, 08:52 AM UTC

Forbes reports on the soccer icons featured during the historic 2026 FIFA World Cup halftime show, curated by Coldplay's Chris Martin and produced by Global Citizen. The show, which included performances by BTS, Shakira, Madonna, Justin Bieber, and others, also displayed several legendary and current footballers. During Madonna's segment, Brazilian icons Ronaldo Nazário and Ronaldinho Gaúcho appeared driving an off-road vehicle. Erling Haaland of Norway was shown on screen beating a drum as his team performed their iconic rowing gesture. A video of the late Pelé giving a speech about 'Love' was played after Shakira's performance, leading into the finale. The article provides background on each player's career achievements and their significance in football history.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 19, 11:24 PM UTC

The 2026 FIFA World Cup final at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, featured the tournament's first-ever halftime show, lasting a record 27 minutes and 23 seconds—double the standard 15-minute break. The performance included Madonna, Justin Bieber, Shakira, BTS, Burna Boy, Coldplay, and others, curated by Chris Martin. FIFA and Global Citizen aim to raise $100 million for education and football projects. Critics raised player welfare concerns, as IFAB had previously rejected similar extensions.

15 reports · 8 sources · Updated Jul 20, 05:49 PM UTC

FIFA revealed the 2026 World Cup closing ceremony lineup, set for July 19 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, 90 minutes before the final. Performers include Tom Cruise (special appearance), Laura Pausini, Nicole Scherzinger, Robbie Williams, and streamer IShowSpeed. Jennifer Hudson will sing the U.S. national anthem. The event, co-created with Balich Wonder Studio, celebrates the 48-team tournament co-hosted by the US, Canada, and Mexico, and will also feature a first-ever halftime show.

14 reports · 11 sources · Updated Jul 20, 06:12 AM UTC

The article examines Global Citizen, the advocacy group behind the first-ever World Cup final half-time show curated by Coldplay's Chris Martin. It details the charity's model of staging high-profile concerts to pressure governments and corporations into pledging funds to end extreme poverty, claiming $49bn in commitments. However, it raises questions about the charity's effectiveness, noting that 60-70% of its $45m annual revenue goes to event production, and some governments have denied that Global Citizen's advocacy drove their pledges. The article also highlights Global Citizen's deep ties to FIFA and mining billionaire Patrice Motsepe, president of African football's CAF and a potential future FIFA chief, who pledged $250m at a 2018 Global Citizen event. The partnership with FIFA aims to raise $100m for children's education and football, despite the apparent incongruity of a poverty-fighting charity collaborating with the organization behind the most expensive World Cup ever.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 19, 12:00 PM UTC

The article examines Global Citizen, an advocacy group known for high-profile concerts, as it partners with FIFA for the first-ever World Cup final half-time show curated by Coldplay's Chris Martin. The show, featuring stars like Madonna, Shakira, BTS, and Justin Bieber, is part of a joint campaign to raise $100 million for children's education and football opportunities. The piece highlights Global Citizen's model of securing pledges from governments and corporations, claiming $49 billion in funding, though critics question its effectiveness and attribution of donations. It also explores the charity's deep ties to mining billionaire Patrice Motsepe, president of African football's CAF and a potential FIFA successor, who pledged $250 million at a 2018 Global Citizen event. The article notes financial losses and skepticism from some governments about the charity's influence, raising broader questions about its impact on poverty alleviation.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 19, 12:00 PM UTC

Colombian superstar Shakira and Nigerian artist Burna Boy have released "Dai Dai," the official song for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, co-hosted by the USA, Canada, and Mexico. The multilingual track, filmed at Rio’s Maracanã Stadium, celebrates football legends and themes of unity. All royalties fund global children’s education and sports projects. Shakira will also perform at the final’s halftime show alongside Madonna and BTS, aiming to raise $100 million. The tournament runs June 11–July 19, 2026.

19 reports · 14 sources · Updated Jun 12, 06:41 AM UTC

FIFA has announced that Shakira, Madonna, and K-pop group BTS will headline the first-ever halftime show during the 2026 World Cup final. The event is scheduled for July 19 at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey and is expected to attract millions of viewers globally. The performance will be curated by Coldplay’s Chris Martin and produced by Global Citizen, a non-profit organization. Proceeds will support the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund, which aims to raise $100 million to improve access to education and football for children worldwide. Additionally, $1 from every ticket sold for the tournament will be donated to this fund. The announcement was made via social media, featuring a video with Chris Martin, Sesame Street characters, and BTS. FIFA President Gianni Infantino described the upcoming show as a historic moment for the tournament. This marks a significant expansion of entertainment offerings for the World Cup, which kicks off on June 11 in Mexico City with matches across the US, Canada, and Mexico. Previously, FIFA confirmed J Balvin would headline the opening ceremony.

1 reports · 1 sources

For the first time in history, the FIFA World Cup final will feature a halftime show, headlined by pop superstars Shakira, Madonna, and K-pop group BTS. The event is scheduled for July 19, 2026, at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. Curated by Coldplay’s Chris Martin in partnership with Global Citizen, the performance aims to raise $100 million for the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund. Organizers describe this as a singular moment that will be broadcast globally, marking a significant shift from traditional soccer norms where halftime shows are not typical. The lineup reflects the global nature of the sport, featuring artists with massive international followings. Shakira, a veteran of previous World Cup anthems, will release a new official song, while Madonna promotes her upcoming album, and BTS returns following their hiatus. Although specific duration details remain unclear, precedents like the Club World Cup suggest the show could extend beyond the standard 15-minute break. The 2026 tournament is co-hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada, involving 48 nations.

1 reports · 1 sources

FIFA has announced that global music icons Madonna, Shakira, and BTS will headline the first-ever halftime show during the 2026 World Cup Final in New Jersey. This marks a significant shift for the tournament, adopting a format popularized by the Super Bowl to enhance the spectacle of the championship match scheduled for July 19. The performance will be curated by Coldplay’s Chris Martin and aims to blend international musical talents, reflecting the global nature of the sport. Beyond entertainment, the event supports the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund, which seeks to raise $100 million to improve access to education and soccer for children worldwide. FIFA President Gianni Infantino emphasized the unique opportunity to unite music and football on sport's biggest stage for a charitable cause. While traditional soccer halftimes are strictly limited to 15 minutes, organizers have pledged to respect the game's flow and avoid delays. The 2026 World Cup, co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, begins in June, with all matches broadcast via Fox Sports platforms.

1 reports · 1 sources

FIFA has announced a historic halftime show for the upcoming World Cup final, marking the first time such an entertainment spectacle will be included in the tournament's history. The performance, scheduled for July 19 at MetLife Stadium near New York, will feature global superstars Madonna, K-pop band BTS, and Shakira. Produced by Coldplay’s Chris Martin and Global Citizen, the show aims to raise up to $100 million for global education and football projects. While organizers assure fans that each act will perform for significantly less than 15 minutes to respect traditional football rules, concerns remain about whether the extended break will disrupt the game's flow, drawing comparisons to the longer intervals seen in NFL Super Bowls. Additionally, Shakira has released the official World Cup song, "Dai Dai," featuring Burna Boy and referencing numerous football legends and nations. Proceeds from the song will also support charitable causes. Directed by Hamish Hamilton, known for his work on Super Bowl halftimes, the event seeks to blend high-profile entertainment with sportsmanship, though it raises questions about the balance between commercial spectacle and athletic tradition.

1 reports · 1 sources

FIFA has officially announced that the first-ever halftime show for a World Cup final will feature global music icons Shakira, Madonna, and the K-pop group BTS. This historic performance is scheduled to take place during the 2026 FIFA World Cup final on July 19 at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. The event marks a significant expansion of FIFA's entertainment strategy for the tournament, which is co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Chris Martin, frontman of Coldplay, will curate the show, aiming to blend music, sport, and global culture. FIFA President Gianni Infantino described the initiative as a special moment designed to unite fans and support social causes, with proceeds contributing to the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund. This move aligns the World Cup more closely with high-profile entertainment spectacles like the Super Bowl, reflecting FIFA's effort to reach wider global audiences beyond traditional sports fans. The 2026 tournament will be the largest in history, featuring 48 teams and 104 matches, further emphasizing the scale of this cultural integration.

1 reports · 1 sources

As the 2026 FIFA World Cup final approaches at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, discussions have intensified regarding the nature of the halftime entertainment. FIFA and Global Citizen have partnered to create a Super Bowl-style halftime show curated by Coldplay’s Chris Martin, featuring co-headliners Madonna, Shakira, and BTS. This move aims to align with American sporting traditions, which typically include elaborate concerts and significant commercial breaks. However, the decision has drawn criticism from traditional soccer fans and purists who argue that extended halftimes with stage setups violate the International Football Association Board’s Laws of the Game, which limit intervals to 15 minutes. Concerns also revolve around the potential reduction of seating capacity for stage construction and the heavy commercialization of the event. While the recent Club World Cup served as a rehearsal with a stand-based stage, expectations for the final remain high despite the controversy. The situation highlights the cultural clash between global soccer norms and the highly commercialized American sports entertainment model, raising questions about how FIFA will balance tradition with local expectations in the United States.

1 reports · 1 sources

Colombian superstar Shakira and Nigerian artist Burna Boy have officially released "Dai Dai," the anthem for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup. The song was launched on Friday, with Shakira announcing its arrival on social media to mark the start of the tournament countdown. This edition of the World Cup is historic, featuring an expanded format with 48 teams and being jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The tournament is scheduled to kick off on June 11, 2026. FIFA described the track as a vibrant celebration of football, culture, and unity, noting that royalties will support the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund. In related entertainment news, it was confirmed that Madonna and BTS will headline the final's half-time show at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on July 19. Curated by Coldplay’s Chris Martin, this performance aims to raise funds for children's education and football access globally. The extended half-time show reflects the growing influence of American-style sporting entertainment on international football events.

1 reports · 1 sources

FIFA has announced that global superstars Madonna, Shakira, and K-pop group BTS will headline the first-ever halftime show at the 2026 World Cup final. The event is scheduled for July 19 at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. Curated by Coldplay’s Chris Martin, the performance aims to replicate the scale of Super Bowl halftime shows, a format previously trialed at the FIFA Club World Cup. The show will support FIFA’s Global Citizen Education Fund, which seeks to raise $100 million for children's education worldwide. Shakira, who will also perform the tournament's official anthem 'Dai Dai' alongside Burna Boy, pledged to donate all proceeds from the song to the fund. FIFA President Gianni Infantino described the initiative as fitting for the biggest sporting event, with billions expected to watch globally. The 2026 World Cup, featuring 48 teams, will be hosted jointly by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, kicking off in June with separate opening ceremonies in each host nation. While the entertainment spectacle is highly anticipated, concerns have been raised regarding the potential extension of the standard halftime break.

1 reports · 1 sources

For the first time in its nearly century-long history, the FIFA World Cup will feature a halftime show during the 2026 Final Match. Nonprofit organization Global Citizen announced that K-pop supergroup BTS, Colombian star Shakira, and pop icon Madonna will headline the performance. The event aims to raise funds for the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund, with a goal of securing $100 million to expand access to education and soccer for children worldwide. Coldplay’s Chris Martin helped promote the initiative by explaining the concept of a halftime show in a video featuring Sesame Street characters. While the final match showcases these global stars, host nations Mexico, the United States, and Canada will stage their own opening ceremonies with local artists. This historic addition follows a near-miss in 1994 when Whitney Houston was barred from performing at halftime due to player warm-up concerns. The 2026 show is anticipated to draw massive viewership, potentially surpassing recent Super Bowl records, marking a significant cultural expansion for the world’s most-watched sporting event.

1 reports · 1 sources

FIFA has officially announced that the 2026 World Cup Final, scheduled for July 19 at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, will feature a historic halftime show. This marks the first time the tournament will include such an event during the final match, aiming to replicate the spectacle of the Super Bowl. The star-studded lineup features global icons Madonna, Shakira, and K-pop group BTS as co-headliners. The performance will be curated by Coldplay frontman Chris Martin and will also include appearances by Sesame Street and Muppet characters to engage younger audiences. Beyond entertainment, the show serves a charitable purpose, supporting the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund, which aims to raise $100 million to improve access to quality education and football opportunities for children worldwide. Currently, $30 million has been raised, with $1 from every ticket contributing to the cause. FIFA President Gianni Infantino emphasized the unifying power of music and sport, while the artists expressed their commitment to using the platform to advocate for children's education. Further logistical details regarding the stage setup remain undisclosed.

1 reports · 1 sources

FIFA has announced that global music icons Madonna, Shakira, and K-pop group BTS will headline the first-ever halftime show at the 2026 World Cup final. The event is scheduled for July 19 at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, United States. Coldplay’s Chris Martin is curating the performance, which aims to support FIFA's Global Citizen Education Fund with a goal of raising $100 million for children's education worldwide. The show will also feature characters from Sesame Street and The Muppets. While this marks a historic first for the tournament, it has raised concerns regarding the duration of the halftime break, following a trial at the previous year's Club World Cup that exceeded regulation time. Shakira will also perform the official tournament song, "Dai Dai," produced with Burna Boy. The 2026 World Cup, expanded to 48 teams, will be hosted jointly by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, kicking off on June 11 with separate opening ceremonies in each host nation featuring various international artists.

1 reports · 1 sources

Madonna, Shakira, and BTS are set to headline the inaugural halftime show during the FIFA World Cup final on July 19, 2026. The event will take place at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, marking a significant shift as the tournament introduces a Super Bowl-style entertainment format to soccer's biggest match. This performance is part of a four-year partnership between FIFA and Global Citizen, aimed at raising $100 million for the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund to support youth soccer and education programs worldwide. Coldplay frontman Chris Martin will curate the show. The 2026 World Cup, hosted jointly by the United States, Mexico, and Canada, is the largest in history with 48 teams. The inclusion of these global superstars highlights FIFA's strategy to merge sports with mainstream pop culture, leveraging the massive fan bases of the featured artists to engage a broader global audience while promoting charitable initiatives.

1 reports · 1 sources

For the first time in its history, FIFA is introducing a Super Bowl-style halftime show for the World Cup Final, marking a significant shift in the tournament's traditional format. The upcoming performance, scheduled for the 2026 World Cup in the United States, will feature global music icons Madonna, Shakira, and the Korean supergroup BTS as headliners. The event is being curated by Coldplay frontman Chris Martin, who announced the lineup alongside characters from Sesame Street, indicating a broader collaboration with the children's franchise for this World Cup. This elaborate production aims to replicate the massive television engagement seen during the Super Bowl, although it requires extending the standard 15-minute soccer halftime. While this change may challenge traditionalists and adjust team schedules, FIFA anticipates substantial online engagement and broader audience appeal. The decision reflects a strategic move to merge sports with mainstream entertainment spectacle, leveraging star power to maximize global viewership and digital interaction during the final match.

1 reports · 1 sources

FIFA has officially confirmed that the 2026 World Cup final will feature a historic, Super Bowl-style halftime show, marking a significant departure from traditional football ceremonies. Scheduled for July 19, 2026, at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, the event will headline global music icons Madonna, Shakira, and BTS. The performance is curated by Coldplay’s Chris Martin and produced by Global Citizen, with proceeds supporting the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund. Unlike previous tournaments, this halftime break will extend to approximately 30 minutes to accommodate stage setup and performances, doubling the standard interval. This structural change aims to transform the final into a broader global spectacle, aligning football’s biggest match with major American sporting entertainment formats. While the Copa América recently experimented with extended breaks for musical acts, this integration into the World Cup final represents an official strategic shift. The 2026 tournament, jointly hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada, will also feature multiple opening ceremonies across venues. This decision underscores FIFA's effort to expand the event's commercial and cultural appeal amidst the introduction of a 48-team format.

1 reports · 1 sources

Global Citizen has announced that the 2026 FIFA World Cup final will feature a historic halftime show headlined by musical superstars Madonna, K-pop group BTS, and Shakira. This marks the first time the FIFA World Cup final will include a halftime performance. The event is scheduled for July 19, 2026, at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, which will be temporarily renamed New York New Jersey Stadium for the tournament. Curated by Coldplay singer Chris Martin, the show aims to raise funds for the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund, supporting access to education and soccer for children worldwide. The lineup was revealed through a collaborative video with Sesame Street, featuring characters like Elmo and Cookie Monster. While the tournament begins on June 11, with Atlanta hosting eight matches including a semi-final, broadcast details for the halftime show remain unannounced. This initiative highlights a significant intersection of sports and entertainment, leveraging global star power to drive charitable causes while enhancing the spectacle of the world's most-watched sporting event.

1 reports · 1 sources

For the first time in its 96-year history, the FIFA World Cup will feature a Super Bowl-style halftime show during the tournament final. The event is scheduled for July 19, 2026, at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. Global superstars Madonna, Shakira, and K-pop group BTS have been announced as the co-headliners for this groundbreaking performance. The show is curated by Coldplay lead singer Chris Martin and produced by Global Citizen. Its primary objective is charitable, aiming to raise $100 million for the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund, which supports access to quality education and soccer for children worldwide. Martin revealed the lineup via social media platform X, also noting appearances by Sesame Street characters. This headline act complements a broader series of musical performances planned for the opening ceremonies across the three host nations: Mexico, Canada, and the United States. The inclusion of such high-profile international artists marks a significant expansion of entertainment elements within the prestigious soccer tournament, blending sports with global pop culture to maximize fundraising impact and viewer engagement.

1 reports · 1 sources

For the first time in history, the FIFA World Cup final will feature a halftime show, scheduled for July 19. The star-studded lineup includes pop icons Shakira and Madonna, along with the South Korean band BTS, curated by Coldplay’s Chris Martin. FIFA states that the event aims to raise up to $100 million for global education and football initiatives. However, the announcement coincides with significant criticism from scientists and experts regarding FIFA's current heat protection measures. Experts warn that the existing protocols are inadequate for ensuring player and spectator safety during the summer tournament. This dual narrative highlights the intersection of high-profile entertainment and serious operational concerns surrounding the event. While the musical performance marks a new era of spectacle for the World Cup, the scientific community urges the world football association to address environmental challenges more effectively. The article underscores the tension between commercial expansion through celebrity engagement and the necessary health and safety standards required for hosting major international sporting events in hot climates.

1 reports · 1 sources

FIFA has announced a major deviation from traditional soccer norms by introducing a Super Bowl-style halftime show for the upcoming World Cup final on July 19 at MetLife Stadium. The performance will feature global superstars Shakira, Madonna, and K-pop band BTS, curated by Coldplay’s Chris Martin, with proceeds supporting the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund. This decision has triggered significant backlash from international soccer fans, who argue that such entertainment disrupts the sport's integrity and represents an unwanted Americanization of the game. Critics on social media expressed skepticism, noting that soccer fans prioritize player focus and recovery over lengthy musical interludes, unlike American football audiences. While FIFA President Gianni Infantino defended the initiative as a unique blend of music and football for a charitable cause, many viewers remain unconvinced. They contend that the World Cup should remain focused on athletic competition rather than mimicking the commercial spectacle of the NFL’s Super Bowl. The controversy highlights the cultural clash between traditional soccer values and the host nations' entertainment-driven approach, raising logistical concerns about fitting three major acts into a standard fifteen-minute break.

1 reports · 1 sources

The Texas Rangers achieved a dramatic walkoff victory against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Globe Life Field, featuring key contributions from Danny Jansen and Jake Burger. Jansen delivered the game-winning hit, marking his fifth career walkoff, while Burger continued his recent offensive surge with five hits in his last two games following a brief benching. Beyond the game result, the report provides critical injury updates for the team's pitching staff. Reliever Chris Martin made a rehab appearance for the Round Rock Express, where he struggled significantly with his splitter, describing the performance as a confusing mechanical or execution issue. Meanwhile, starting pitcher Nathan Eovaldi threw a bullpen session and expressed confidence in making his next scheduled start on Sunday. However, manager Skip Schumaker remains cautious and has not yet confirmed Eovaldi's return. This collection of updates highlights both the immediate triumph on the field and the ongoing management of player health and roster dynamics for the Rangers as they navigate the mid-season schedule.

1 reports · 1 sources

FIFA has announced that global superstars BTS, Madonna, and Shakira will headline the first-ever halftime show during the 2026 World Cup Final on July 19 at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. Curated by Coldplay’s Chris Martin and produced by Global Citizen, the event marks a significant departure from traditional soccer norms, aiming to align with U.S. entertainment standards. While soccer halftimes are strictly limited to 15 minutes under the Laws of the Game, reports suggest FIFA may extend this break to accommodate the elaborate performance, similar to Super Bowl spectacles. The show is expected to take place on the field, despite concerns about preserving the playing surface. This initiative reflects FIFA President Gianni Infantino’s strategy to capitalize on the North American market’s robust entertainment industry. Additionally, pregame performances featuring artists like J Balvin, Michael Bublé, and Katy Perry are planned for host cities Mexico City, Toronto, and Los Angeles. The announcement follows a successful test run at the previous year’s Club World Cup final, signaling FIFA’s intent to blend sports with high-profile commercial entertainment.

1 reports · 1 sources

The 2026 FIFA World Cup final is set to feature the first-ever halftime show in the tournament's history, marking a significant departure from traditional soccer norms. Scheduled for July 19 at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, the event will be co-headlined by global superstars Madonna, Shakira, and the K-pop group BTS. This Super Bowl-style performance was announced by FIFA President Gianni Infantino and curated by Coldplay’s Chris Martin. The broadcast will air on Fox and aims to raise funds for the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund, which supports educational services worldwide. To accommodate the elaborate stage setup and breakdown without damaging the pitch, FIFA plans to extend the standard 15-minute halftime break. This initiative follows a successful precedent set during the previous summer's Club World Cup final at the same venue, which featured artists like Doja Cat. The inclusion of such high-profile entertainment highlights FIFA's strategy to broaden the appeal of the World Cup final, blending athletic competition with major cultural spectacle.

1 reports · 1 sources

FIFA has announced that pop icon Madonna, Latin superstar Shakira, and K-pop group BTS will headline the first-ever halftime show at the 2026 FIFA World Cup final. The event is scheduled for July 19 at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, featuring a Super Bowl-style performance curated by Coldplay’s Chris Martin. This initiative aims to support the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund, which seeks to raise US$100 million to help children access education and soccer. FIFA President Gianni Infantino stated that US$1 from every ticket sold will contribute directly to this cause. The announcement was made via a video featuring Chris Martin and Sesame Street’s Elmo, emphasizing unity and charitable giving. The 2026 World Cup, co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, will also feature various musical performances during opening matches in host cities, including artists like Tyla, Michael Bublé, and Katy Perry. This marks a significant expansion of entertainment elements within the tournament, blending major global music stars with the sport's biggest stage to promote social impact.

1 reports · 1 sources

FIFA has announced that global music icons Madonna, Shakira, and K-pop supergroup BTS will headline the first-ever halftime show for a World Cup final. The performance is scheduled for July 19 at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey during the 2026 FIFA World Cup Final. Coldplay lead singer Chris Martin will curate the event, which aims to blend music and football while supporting charitable causes. FIFA President Gianni Infantino stated that the show underscores a commitment to improving children's lives worldwide, with proceeds supporting the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund to enhance access to quality education and football. The 2026 tournament, co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, will feature an expanded format with 48 teams and 104 matches. This announcement follows a successful test run during the previous year’s Club World Cup in North America, which featured artists like Doja Cat and J Balvin. The inclusion of such high-profile artists marks a significant expansion of entertainment offerings for the prestigious sporting event, aiming to create a memorable cultural moment alongside the athletic competition.

1 reports · 1 sources