Global music icons Madonna, Shakira, and BTS have been confirmed as headline performers for the first-ever Super Bowl-style half-time show at a FIFA World Cup final.
The highly anticipated performance is set to take place on July 19 in New Jersey, where the final match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup — jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico — will be played.
According to BBC Sport, the show is expected to last around 11 minutes, although discussions are reportedly ongoing about extending it closer to FIFA’s permitted 15-minute half-time limit.
The initiative marks the first time a FIFA World Cup final will feature a large-scale entertainment spectacle of this nature, introducing an American-style half-time production to football’s biggest global event.
FIFA president Gianni Infantino described the development as a landmark moment for world football.
“It will be a historic occasion for the FIFA World Cup, fitting for the biggest sporting event on the planet,” Infantino stated.
The performance will combine pop and K-pop entertainment to attract a massive international television audience.
Meanwhile, Shakira is also expected to debut a new official tournament song titled Dai Dai, featuring Nigerian music star Burna Boy, adding an African flavour to the competition’s soundtrack.
Madonna is reportedly preparing for the release of her 15th studio album, while BTS continue their global comeback following the completion of their mandatory military service in South Korea.
The half-time event will be curated by Chris Martin of Coldplay and will support the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund, an initiative aiming to raise $100 million to improve access to education for children around the world.