The FIFA World Cup will take on a uniquely American flavor come the Final on July 19 at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, with the governing body of global soccer announcing on Thursday that a Super Bowl-esque Halftime Show will take place.
FIFA revealed that this World Cup will mark the first to include a halftime show during the final, with Madonna, Shakira, and BTS set to co-headline the event. The show will also include Sesame Street and Muppet characters for the younger viewers to enjoy.
The show will be curated by Coldplay frontman Chris Martin, and will benefit FIFA's Global Citizen Education Fund, described as "an initiative aiming to raise USD 100 million to expand access to quality education and football opportunities for children worldwide."
Coldplay's Chris Martin will curate the show -Credit:Jim Dyson/Getty Images
According to FIFA, $30 million for the Fund has been raised thus far, with $1 from each ticket set to go towards various social projects.
In a statement, FIFA President Gianni Infantino, who recently insisted that Iran will play in the tournament despite the nation's football federation having yet to confirm as much, said, "Madonna, Shakira and BTS are global icons whose music transcends borders and generations, and we are proud to welcome them to the first-ever FIFA World Cup Final Halftime Show curated by Chris Martin of Coldplay."
"As the world comes together for the biggest match in football on 19 July 2026 in New York New Jersey, this historic show will also shine a light on a greater purpose by supporting the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund and our shared mission to expand access to quality education and football opportunities for children worldwide. It will be a celebration of football, unity and shared humanity that will resonate far beyond the final whistle."
Following the announcement, Madonna said, "Performing at the World Cup final in support of the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund is deeply meaningful to me.
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"Without education, children are denied opportunity before they even have a chance. Every child deserves access to a quality learning — because education expands possibilities and creates lasting change."
Meanwhile, Shakira said, "I've spent my life doing two things — making songs and building schools. At the FIFA World Cup, those two paths come together.
"Standing alongside Madonna and BTS, I'll be performing 'Dai Dai,' the song I created for this World Cup and for the kids around the world we will reach with the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund. My hope is that on the world's biggest stage, the importance of investing in children's education steals the show!"
And as for BTS, they said, "Music is the universal language of hope and harmony, and we're honored to celebrate that power at the World Cup by connecting with millions of viewers around the world in support of children's education."
Further details regarding the Halftime Show have yet to be announced, such as whether it will be performed on the field, as is the case with the Super Bowl, or up in the stands, as FIFA did last summer during the Club World Cup Final, also at MetLife Stadium.
