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