FIFA Adds 25-Minute World Cup Final Halftime Show With Madonna, Shakira, BTS, Bieber
Updated
Updated · bbc.co.uk · Jul 19
FIFA Adds 25-Minute World Cup Final Halftime Show With Madonna, Shakira, BTS, Bieber
3 articles · Updated · bbc.co.uk · Jul 19
Summary
Sunday’s Spain-Argentina final at MetLife Stadium will feature the first World Cup halftime show, with Madonna, Shakira, Justin Bieber, BTS and Burna Boy performing during a break stretched to about 25 minutes.
The longer interval has sparked player-welfare and fan concerns because IFAB rules say players are entitled to a maximum 15-minute halftime, and critics argue prolonged inactivity could affect the match.
FIFA says the show is a landmark effort to blend sport and music, broaden the event’s appeal and raise money for an education fund; Coldplay’s Chris Martin curated the performance and the acts are not being paid.
MetLife already hosted a 24-minute halftime show at last year’s Club World Cup final, underscoring FIFA’s push to import a more American-style entertainment model into football’s biggest event.
Is the World Cup's first half-time show a landmark celebration or a dangerous gamble with player safety?
As ticket prices soar, is FIFA's Americanized World Cup alienating loyal fans in its pursuit of massive profits?
"How the 2026 FIFA World Cup Final Halftime Show Aims to Raise $100 Million and Redefine Global Sports Entertainment"
Overview
The 2026 FIFA World Cup final, taking place tomorrow at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, will feature an unprecedented Super Bowl-style halftime show. This 11-minute spectacle is designed to captivate a global audience with its impressive scale and star power, transforming the traditional halftime break into a standalone entertainment event. Major artists like Madonna, Shakira, BTS, Justin Bieber, and Burna Boy are set to perform, promising a diverse and electrifying experience. This innovative approach aims to elevate the World Cup final, blending world-class music with the excitement of football for millions of viewers worldwide.