Madonna, BTS, and Shakira to Headline First World Cup Final Halftime Show
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.
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