Madonna, Shakira and BTS have reportedly been announced as co-headliners for the first-ever halftime show during the 2026 FIFA World Cup Final.
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The 2026 FIFA World Cup Final is scheduled for Sunday, July 19, at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup final is set to make history with its first-ever halftime show featuring global music icons Madonna, Shakira and BTS.
On Wednesday, May 13, FIFA revealed the news through the tournament’s official Instagram account, announcing that the trio will perform during the championship match in July.
“On July 19, the FIFA World Cup 2026 Final Halftime Show is coming to New York New Jersey Stadium, featuring superstars Madonna, Shakira and BTS, curated by Chris Martin of Coldplay,” the post stated.
The final match will take place at MetLife Stadium, with kickoff scheduled for 3 p.m. ET.
FIFA also noted that the halftime performance will support the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund, a campaign aiming to raise $100 million to improve children’s access to education and football programs worldwide. The organization said $1 from every ticket sold during the tournament will go toward the initiative.
Martin further promoted the announcement in an Instagram video that included members of BTS on FaceTime alongside beloved characters from Sesame Street, including Elmo, Kermit the Frog, Miss Piggy, Animal, Cookie Monster and Statler and Waldorf.
This marks the first halftime show ever staged during a World Cup final.
“Performing at the FIFA World Cup final in support of the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund is incredibly meaningful to me,” Madonna said in a statement. “Without education, children lose opportunities before they even begin. Every child deserves quality learning because education creates possibilities and lasting change.”
The announcement arrives shortly after Madonna revealed her upcoming album Confessions II and surprised fans with an appearance during Sabrina Carpenter’s headlining set at Coachella. The album, which follows her 2005 release Confessions on a Dance Floor, is scheduled to arrive on July 3.
The 2026 World Cup, co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico, will feature 48 teams and begin on June 11 with Mexico facing South Africa.
Earlier this month, FIFA also announced performers for the tournament’s three opening ceremonies, including Katy Perry, J Balvin, Future, Michael Bublé, Tyla and Lisa.
Perry is set to headline the U.S. opening ceremony on June 12 at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles, while Balvin will lead the festivities in Mexico City. In Toronto, Bublé, Alanis Morissette and Alessia Cara will co-headline the Canadian ceremony.