Shakira, Madonna and BTS to Perform at FIFA World Cup Final in New Jersey

World football governing body FIFA has announced that the 2026 FIFA World Cup final will feature a historic Super Bowl-style halftime show headlined by global music stars Madonna, Shakira, and South Korean pop sensation BTS.

The performance, scheduled for July 19, 2026, will take place during the World Cup final at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, marking the first halftime entertainment show in FIFA World Cup history.

FIFA confirmed that the star-studded event will be curated by Coldplay frontman Chris Martin in partnership with Global Citizen, an international advocacy organization known for producing large-scale entertainment and charity events.

The announcement signals a major cultural shift for football’s biggest tournament, traditionally known for maintaining a short 15-minute halftime break without musical performances. FIFA President Gianni Infantino described the event as a “historic moment” aimed at blending football, music, and global entertainment on the world’s biggest sporting stage.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, is expected to be the largest edition of the tournament yet, featuring 48 teams and more than 100 matches.

Shakira’s inclusion in the lineup has generated particular excitement among football fans, as the Colombian singer previously performed the iconic 2010 World Cup anthem “Waka Waka.” Reports also indicate she recently teased a new World Cup-themed song ahead of the tournament.

The halftime show will reportedly support the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund, an initiative aimed at raising funds to improve access to education and football opportunities for children worldwide.

The announcement has sparked mixed reactions online, with some fans welcoming the entertainment spectacle while others expressed concerns that a Super Bowl-style performance could disrupt the traditional rhythm and culture of football.

FIFA had earlier experimented with halftime entertainment during the FIFA Club World Cup final, signaling the organization’s growing interest in combining sports with large-scale entertainment productions.