Shakira, Madonna And BTS To Headline FIFA World Cup Half-Time Show
FIFA World Cup plans first-ever halftime entertainment show reportedly.
Global music icons Shakira, Madonna and K-pop supergroup BTS are set to headline the first-ever FIFA World Cup final halftime show, marking a historic expansion of entertainment at football’s biggest global event. The announcement confirms a major shift in the tournament’s presentation format, with proceeds from the performance directed towards a global education initiative.
The halftime show will take place during the World Cup final scheduled for July 19 at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. According to official details shared in a press release, the event will support the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund, which aims to improve access to quality education and football opportunities for children worldwide.Coldplay frontman Chris Martin, who curated the lineup of performers, confirmed the announcement through social media.
The initiative positions the halftime show as both an entertainment spectacle and a large-scale fundraising platform, aligning sport with global social development goals.Shakira’s participation adds a notable World Cup connection, as she recently released the track “Dai Dai” with Nigerian artist Burna Boy, which serves as an official song for the 2026 tournament. The Colombian singer also has a long association with the event, having performed “Waka Waka (This Time for Africa)” during the 2010 World Cup opening ceremony in South Africa.
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Madonna is also set to return to a major cultural spotlight with a new cinematic project tied to her upcoming album “Confessions II,” scheduled for release on July 3. She recently previewed material from the project during a live performance at Coachella, further building anticipation around her return to large-scale performances.BTS, comprising Jin, Suga, J-Hope, RM, Jimin, V and Jung Kook, will join the lineup following their reunion after completing mandatory military service.
The group recently resumed global touring activity, including a series of sold-out shows in North America, marking a significant comeback in their international career.FIFA has also announced a wider entertainment lineup for opening ceremonies across host nations. Performers include Katy Perry, Future, Anitta, Lisa, Rema and Tyla for the United States opener, while Canada and Mexico will feature region-specific artist lineups ahead of their respective matches.
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