BTS, Madonna and Shakira to headline first FIFA World Cup final halftime show

The 2026 FIFA World Cup final will feature its first-ever halftime show, headlined by global superstars BTS, Madonna, and Shakira. The performance is scheduled for July 19 at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, transforming the event into a Super Bowl-style musical spectacle. Organized in partnership with Global Citizen and co-curated by Coldplay’s Chris Martin, the show aims to merge sports and entertainment on an unprecedented scale. BTS will make their FIFA debut as a group, following Jungkook’s solo performance at the 2022 World Cup opening ceremony in Qatar. The group’s statement emphasized the significance of music as a universal language, highlighting its role in fostering unity and contributing to educational opportunities for children. This appearance aligns with BTS’s recent reunion after completing military service in South Korea and marks another milestone in their global expansion. Madonna and Shakira, both iconic figures in pop music, bring decades of influence and cultural resonance to the stage. Madonna’s legendary career and Shakira’s deep ties to football—through hits like *Waka Waka*—will further amplify the event’s global appeal. Their collaboration underscores FIFA’s effort to position the World Cup final as a cultural phenomenon beyond sports. The 2026 World Cup, hosted across the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, is expected to be the largest edition in history. The halftime show solidifies FIFA’s strategy of blending athletic competition with high-profile entertainment, reflecting the tournament’s growing commercial and cultural impact. The final itself will take place on July 19, 2026, at MetLife Stadium, drawing millions of viewers worldwide.