Madonna, Shakira and BTS to headline first-ever FIFA World Cup final halftime show
Coldplay’s Chris Martin leads creative direction for unprecedented global performance
DUBAI – The FIFA World Cup 2026 Final is set to make history with its first-ever halftime show, bringing together global music icons, football and a major social impact initiative on the sport’s biggest stage.
The landmark performance will take place on Sunday, 19 July at New York New Jersey Stadium and will be broadcast live to millions of viewers worldwide.
For the first time in FIFA World Cup history, the final will include a curated entertainment segment during halftime, signalling a shift towards a Super Bowl-style spectacle. The show will be produced by Global Citizen in partnership with Live Nation and Done + Dusted, and will be curated by Coldplay’s Chris Martin.
The announcement marks a new chapter in how football’s global finale is presented, combining sport with large-scale cultural performance and philanthropic purpose. FIFA and Global Citizen confirmed that Madonna, Shakira and BTS will co-headline the show, positioning three of the world’s most recognisable artists at the centre of a historic broadcast.
The initiative is closely tied to the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund, which aims to raise $100 million to expand access to quality education and football opportunities for children worldwide. More than $30 million has already been secured, with further momentum expected through matchday contributions, including $1 from every ticket sold to FIFA World Cup 2026 matches being directed towards social projects globally.
Historic line-up
FIFA President Gianni Infantino described the performers as global icons whose influence transcends generations and borders. He said the show would mark a moment of unity as the world gathers for the final match in New York New Jersey, highlighting both entertainment and purpose.
Chris Martin unveiled the lineup in a short film, describing the event as being “all about togetherness” and stating that “everyone’s invited”.
Madonna, Shakira and BTS will co-headline the first-ever FIFA World Cup™️ Final Halftime Show at the New York New Jersey Stadium on July 19.
— Coldplay (@coldplay) May 14, 2026
Curated by Coldplay's Chris Martin and produced by Global Citizen, the show will raise funds for the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund,… pic.twitter.com/H2c2mc9q0b
Madonna said the performance holds deep personal meaning, noting that education is essential to creating opportunity and long-term change for children.
Shakira, who also serves as a board member of the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund, said she will perform her song “Dai Dai”, created specifically for the World Cup and its educational mission. She added that her work in both music and school-building aligns with the fund’s objectives.
BTS said music represents a universal language of hope and harmony, and expressed honour in participating in a global broadcast that supports children’s education.
FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund
At the centre of the initiative is the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund, designed to support community-led programmes combining education, sport and local engagement. The fund focuses on expanding access to learning opportunities, improving educational outcomes and creating pathways for children in underserved communities across multiple countries. Initial grants have already been announced for organisations operating in 10 countries, supporting education and football-based development programmes.
The initiative is structured to scale impact through global visibility and sustained financial contributions. Alongside donations from ticket sales, the fund continues to attract high-profile supporters and institutional backing. Global Citizen Co-Founder and CEO Hugh Evans said the collaboration transforms a major cultural moment into long-term impact, stating that the goal is to ensure that millions of lives are improved over time as a result of this initiative.
The halftime show is being positioned as a pioneering format for football, drawing comparisons to large-scale entertainment productions seen in American sport. The Super Bowl is widely known for its halftime performances featuring global stars, and FIFA’s announcement signals a similar ambition for the World Cup final. However, traditional football halftime breaks last no longer than 15 minutes, meaning the production will need to be carefully structured within strict time limits.
The inclusion of characters from Sesame Street and The Muppets adds an educational and family-focused dimension to the broadcast. These characters, known globally for promoting childhood learning, will reinforce the initiative’s emphasis on education and accessibility. Their participation aligns with the broader goal of connecting entertainment with early learning advocacy.
Production responsibilities are shared between Global Citizen, Live Nation and Done + Dusted, ensuring a multi-layered approach to staging, broadcast and creative direction. The creative vision, led by Chris Martin, aims to merge musical performance with a message of global unity, while maintaining the scale expected of a World Cup final audience.
Beyond the performance itself, FIFA and Global Citizen have positioned the halftime show as part of a wider legacy programme tied to the tournament. The FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund advisory board includes prominent figures such as FIFA President Gianni Infantino, Shakira, Hugh Jackman, Ivanka Trump, The Weeknd, Serena Williams, Kaká and Jim DeMare of Bank of America. Their involvement reflects an effort to align sport, entertainment and philanthropy at an international level.
The World Cup 2026 will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico, running through June and July before culminating in the New York New Jersey final.