FIFA Taps Shakira, Madonna and BTS for July 19 World Cup Final Halftime Show
Updated
Updated · The New York Times · May 14
FIFA Taps Shakira, Madonna and BTS for July 19 World Cup Final Halftime Show
8 articles · Updated · The New York Times · May 14
July 19's World Cup final at MetLife Stadium will feature FIFA's first halftime show, with Shakira, Madonna and BTS headlining the 11-minute performance.
FIFA is adding the concert to broaden the final's appeal beyond core fans; the 2022 final drew more than 500 million live viewers worldwide.
Chris Martin selected the artists and Global Citizen will produce the show after a Club World Cup trial at MetLife last summer used a stage built into the stands.
The move extends FIFA's wider entertainment push for the 2026 tournament across 16 cities in the United States, Mexico and Canada, even as some soccer purists resist altering the traditional 15-minute halftime.
Will MetLife Stadium's brand-new, untested grass pitch deliver a flawless final or a controversial championship match?
With a first-ever halftime show, is the World Cup Final becoming more about entertainment than the sport itself?
Amid visa concerns and travel hurdles, will the World Cup's projected $80B economic boom truly reach local communities?
FIFA’s Inaugural World Cup Final Halftime Show (2026): Global Superstars, Social Impact, and Worldwide Broadcast
Overview
FIFA will make history on July 19, 2026, by hosting its first-ever World Cup Final Halftime Show at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. Inspired by the NFL Super Bowl halftime shows, this move marks a major evolution for the World Cup, aiming to transform the final into a global celebration of music and culture. The show will feature superstar performers Madonna, Shakira, and BTS, reflecting FIFA’s ambition to create a memorable and globally resonant event. This new tradition sets a higher standard for sports entertainment and signals FIFA’s commitment to blending world-class football with top-tier musical performances.