With the 2026 FIFA World Cup nearing its conclusion, football enthusiasts have something special to anticipate beyond the match itself: the tournament's inaugural official halftime show. This high-profile musical production, headlined by Madonna, Shakira, BTS, and Justin Bieber, aims to blend the excitement of sport with world-class entertainment.

Event Details and Purpose

Known as the "Final Halftime Show," the event is scheduled for July 19 at the New York-New Jersey Stadium. Beyond the spectacle, the performance serves a charitable cause, supporting the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund, which seeks to raise over $100 million to improve educational and football opportunities for children globally.

Reflecting on the event's significance, FIFA president Gianni Infantino remarked:

«As the world comes together for the biggest match in football on 19 July 2026, this historic show will also shine a light on a greater purpose by supporting the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund. It will be a celebration of football, unity and humanity that will resonate far beyond the final whistle.»

Logistics and Planning

The performance is slated for an 11-minute duration. Given that the match kicks off at 3 p.m. ET, the show is expected to commence between 3:45 p.m. and 4 p.m. While traditional soccer halftimes last 15 minutes, this interval may be extended to accommodate the necessary stage production and technical setup.

Chris Martin of Coldplay, who served as the show’s curator, collaborated with characters from Sesame Street—including Elmo—to plan the lineup, emphasizing the event's core values of music, dance, and collective human spirit.

Star-Studded Lineup

The performance will feature a diverse array of talent. In addition to the headliners, the bill includes:

  • The viral New York-based PS22 Chorus, performing alongside Coldplay.
  • Singer-songwriter Burna Boy, who will join Shakira on stage.
  • Los Angeles Philharmonic music director Gustavo Dudamel.
  • Beloved characters from The Muppets and Sesame Street.

Justin Bieber expressed his enthusiasm for the event, noting that the World Cup holds a unique power to unify people, and he is honored to contribute to the initiative for children's education.

Shakira’s Return and the 'Dai Dai' Anthem

Shakira, a seasoned World Cup performer with appearances dating back to 2006, is returning to the global stage with the official 2026 tournament song, "Dai Dai," featuring Burna Boy. The track is described by FIFA as a vibrant celebration of culture and unity. For the artist, the performance is deeply personal, as it aligns with her lifelong commitment to advocacy through her Barefoot Foundation.

"Since I was 18, I spent my entire life doing two things: making songs and building schools," Shakira shared. "Finally, during this World Cup, those two paths meet, come together and I'm very excited."