BTS join Madonna, Shakira for historic FIFA World Cup final half-time show
FIFA has confirmed that a Super Bowl-style musical spectacle will debut at this year’s World Cup final, with global icons Madonna, Shakira and K-pop giants BTS leading the historic lineup.
The performance will unfold on 19 July at MetLife Stadium during the 2026 World Cup final, marking the first time the tournament will feature a full-scale half-time production. The expansion mirrors moves by American sports leagues and underscores FIFA’s aim to position the final as a global entertainment event as much as a sporting one.
The show is being co-curated by Chris Martin of Coldplay and produced in partnership with the advocacy organisation Global Citizen.
A landmark moment for the World Cup
The idea of a half-time spectacle was first floated last year when FIFA president Gianni Infantino announced plans for “the first-ever half-time show at a FIFA World Cup final”. At the time, he did not reveal the performers or the show length.
FIFA has experimented with the format before, most notably at the final of the 2024 Copa América in Miami, where Shakira took the stage at Hard Rock Stadium, and again at the 2023 FIFA Club World Cup final, also held at MetLife Stadium, where the interval extended beyond the standard 15 minutes.
Infantino has also hinted at a broader entertainment takeover of Times Square during the tournament’s final weekend.
Global superstars unite for a new era of football entertainment
The 2026 lineup brings together three of the most influential acts in modern music. Madonna, whose career has shaped pop culture for decades, will join Shakira, a long-time World Cup presence known for anthems such as “Waka Waka”. BTS, returning to full group activities following military service commitments in South Korea, add a younger global dimension to the bill.
In a statement, BTS said: "It is a great honour to stand on such a meaningful stage where the whole world comes together. We believe music is a universal language that conveys hope and unity. Being able to share that message with global viewers through this World Cup, and contributing to the expansion of educational opportunities for children, makes this even more significant."
Their appearance follows member Jungkook’s performance of “Dreamers” at the opening ceremony of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
Shakira’s new World Cup anthem
Ahead of the announcement, Shakira teased her latest official tournament track, “Dai Dai”, releasing a brief video filmed at the iconic Maracanã Stadium. The clip shows her performing on the pitch while holding the tournament’s official match ball, the Trionda, joined by dancers wearing colours of teams including the United States and Colombia.
Shakira’s World Cup appearances stretch back nearly two decades, including performances at the 2006 and 2014 finals and her 2010 anthem “Waka Waka”. The new song, produced with Nigerian artist Burna Boy, is set for official release on Thursday. The video ends with the message: “We're ready!”
The singer was also seen in Rio de Janeiro, referencing her past performance at Copacabana Beach, where she staged a free concert before an audience of millions.
The 2026 World Cup, hosted across the United States, Canada and Mexico, will be the biggest edition yet, featuring 48 teams and running from 11 June.
The half-time show will also support FIFA’s Global Citizen Education Fund, an initiative aiming to raise $100 million for children worldwide throughout the tournament.
(With AFP inputs)