FIFA and Global Citizen have announced that global icons Madonna, Shakira, and BTS will co-headline the historic FIFA World Cup 2026™ Final Halftime Show.
The performance is scheduled for Sunday, 19 July, at New York New Jersey Stadium (MetLife Stadium), marking the first time in the tournament’s history that the final will feature a Super Bowl-style musical showcase.
The show is being produced by Global Citizen in partnership with Live Nation and Done + Dusted, with Coldplay’s Chris Martin serving as the official curator.
The production will also feature legendary characters from Sesame Street and The Muppets, including Elmo, Cookie Monster, and Kermit the Frog, highlighting the event’s focus on global education.
Commenting on the announcement, FIFA president, Gianni Infantino, 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.”
“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,” Infantino said.
Co-founder & CEO of Global Citizen, Hugh Evans, noted: “Together with FIFA and our curator Chris Martin of Coldplay, we wanted to create the first halftime moment in history focused on leaving a lasting legacy for children worldwide.”
“By bringing together the world’s greatest artists, football, and a shared commitment to education, we have an opportunity to turn a defining cultural moment into enormous impact through the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund.
“My hope is that in a decade from now, we will see millions of lives impacted, because of this historic moment,” Evans said.
FIFA World Cup Final Halftime Show: Star Studded Group for Grassroot Development
Expressing her excitement to perform during the FIFA World Cup Final Halftime Show, Madonna, shared: “Performing at the World Cup final in support of the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund is deeply meaningful to me.”
“Without education, children are denied opportunity before they even have a chance,” said Madonna.
Sharing her comment, FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund board member, 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,” she shared.
Adding their excitement, global stars, BTS, 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.”
Strategic Impact: The FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund
The halftime show is a mechanical necessity for the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund, an initiative aiming to mobilising USD100 million (AUD139 million) to expand access to quality education and football opportunities for children worldwide.
- Fundraising Progress: The fund has already raised over USD30 million (AUD41 million).
- Ticket Levy: USD1 (AUD1.39) from every ticket sold for the FIFA World Cup 2026™ will be donated to the fund to support social projects.
- Grant Allocation: Earlier this week, FIFA and Global Citizen announced the first group of 27 grassroots organisations across 10 countries to receive grants ranging from USD50,000 (AUD69,520) to USD250,000 (AUD347,550).
Commercial and Cultural Significance
The 2026 World Cup will be the largest in history, featuring 48 teams and 104 matches across three host nations. FIFA aims to leverage the tournament’s massive commercial reach to drive long-term social impact.
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