Madonna, Shakira and BTS to Headline First-Ever World Cup Final Half-Time Show

The 2026 FIFA World Cup is set to introduce a major new feature, with a Super Bowl-style half-time show planned for the final at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on 19 July. Global music icons Madonna, Shakira and K-pop sensation BTS are expected to headline the event, while Coldplay frontman Chris Martin has been appointed to curate the performance. It will mark the first time in World Cup history that a large-scale entertainment show takes place during the final’s half-time interval.

FIFA president Gianni Infantino first revealed the plans in March last year, describing the production as a “historic moment” for the tournament. Although FIFA has not officially confirmed how long the half-time break will last, the announcement has already sparked debate among fans and football officials, who are concerned the show could extend beyond the traditional 15-minute interval used in football matches.

The 2026 tournament itself will be the largest World Cup ever staged, featuring 48 teams for the first time. Matches will be hosted across the United States, Canada and Mexico, with the competition beginning on 11 June and concluding with the final in New Jersey.

The concept follows the growing trend of entertainment-focused sporting events. At the 2024 Copa América final in Miami, Shakira performed during half-time at Hard Rock Stadium, while last year’s FIFA Club World Cup final — also held at MetLife Stadium — featured an extended break due to a live show. FIFA also announced plans to transform New York’s Times Square into a fan celebration zone during the final weekend of the tournament.

The half-time event will also support FIFA’s Global Citizen Education Fund, which aims to raise $100 million to support children’s education projects worldwide.

Meanwhile, Shakira recently teased the official song for the 2026 World Cup. The track, titled “Dai Dai”, was previewed in a short video filmed at Brazil’s famous Maracanã Stadium in Rio de Janeiro. Produced alongside Nigerian star Burna Boy, the song features dancers wearing the colours of several national teams, including the United States and Colombia.

Shakira has long been linked with the World Cup, having performed at previous tournaments in 2006 and 2014, while her 2010 anthem “Waka Waka” remains one of the most recognised football songs ever released.