The 2026 FIFA World Cup is already making history, but one of its most talked-about additions will arrive during the tournament’s biggest match. For the first time, the FIFA World Cup final will feature an official halftime show, bringing together some of the world's most recognizable music stars during the sport’s most-watched event.
Often compared to the entertainment spectacle associated with the Super Bowl, the performance is expected to reach a massive global audience. The 2022 FIFA World Cup final in Qatar attracted approximately 1.5 billion viewers worldwide, making it the most-watched final in tournament history. Expectations are high that the 2026 final in New Jersey could surpass that figure.
Curated by Coldplay frontman Chris Martin, the halftime event will also support the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund, adding a charitable focus to the historic occasion.
When Is the Halftime Show?
The halftime show will take place during the FIFA World Cup final on Sunday, July 19, 2026. Kickoff is scheduled for 3:00 p.m. ET, with the performance taking place during the match interval.
The final will be held at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. During the tournament, the venue will temporarily operate under the name New York New Jersey Stadium due to FIFA regulations regarding commercial sponsorships and venue naming rights.
Fans across the United States will be able to watch the event live on Fox Sports, with the match airing on the FOX network. Spanish-language coverage will be available through Peacock's Premium and Premium Plus streaming plans, while Telemundo will also broadcast the game.
For fans hoping to experience the atmosphere outside the stadium, New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani has announced a free World Cup final watch party in Central Park with capacity for 50,000 attendees.
Speaking about the event, Mamdani stated, “You don’t need to drop thousands of dollars to watch the World Cup final. And you don't need to be a professional to play in the World Cup. You just need to head to Central Park.”
Who Will Take the Stage?
Instagram | thewalk1n_mag | Shakira anchors the tournament as both its opening ceremony headliner and a FIFA board member.
The halftime show will feature a trio of international music acts. The event will be co-headlined by Shakira, Madonna, and BTS.
Shakira has already played a major role in the tournament. She headlined the opening ceremony in Mexico City on June 11 and also serves on the advisory board of the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund.
In addition, Shakira teamed up with Nigerian singer-songwriter Burna Boy to record the official World Cup anthem, “Dai Dai.” Revenue generated from the song will help support the education initiative. Sony Music has also pledged to match the first $250,000 raised through donations.
During the halftime performance, Shakira will share the stage with the Ghetto Kids, the Ugandan dance group that gained international attention after appearances on “America’s Got Talent” in 2024.
The connection between Shakira and the World Cup stretches back many years. Her song “Waka Waka” became one of the defining tracks of the 2010 FIFA World Cup and remains closely associated with global soccer culture. She also headlined the NFL Super Bowl halftime show alongside Jennifer Lopez in 2020.
Madonna brings similar experience to the lineup. She led the Super Bowl halftime show in 2012 and remains one of the most recognizable performers in popular music.
BTS will also take part in the event. The seven-member K-pop group recently reunited after completing mandatory military service. The performance will take place during a break from their global tour schedule.
Why Is Global Citizen Involved?
The halftime show supports the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund. The initiative focuses on expanding access to education and soccer opportunities for children around the world.
The program aims to support grassroots projects in more than 200 countries. Organizers have set a fundraising goal of $100 million to help provide quality educational opportunities and football development programs for children globally.
Global Citizen has a long history of organizing international fundraising campaigns involving governments, corporations, and entertainers. One notable example was the “Stand Up for Ukraine” initiative launched in 2022.
Chris Martin's involvement dates back to the previous World Cup cycle. According to Global Citizen CEO Hugh Evans, Martin proposed the idea years ago.
Evans recalled Martin saying, “Wouldn’t it be amazing if we could do a halftime show for the World Cup, because it is this moment that brings all of humanity together.”
Although speculation continues regarding a possible appearance by Martin himself, Evans has not confirmed whether the Coldplay singer will perform. He did suggest that viewers should expect several major surprises during the show.
Questions Around the Broadcast Format
Instagram | complexsports | The 2026 FIFA World Cup final will feature a first-of-its-kind halftime show combining music and global sport.
While excitement continues to build, some broadcasters are still evaluating how they will present the halftime performance.
Reports suggest that BBC and ITV are considering a different approach for viewers in the United Kingdom. Both networks may continue their traditional halftime coverage instead of showing the performance live on television.
The broadcasters usually spend halftime analyzing the first half of the match. Experts and commentators discuss tactics, key moments, and player performances.
Under the reported plan, viewers would still be able to watch the halftime show through the broadcasters’ digital platforms.
Questions also remain about the length of the event. Soccer matches usually have a 15-minute halftime break. FIFA has not yet announced whether it will extend the interval for the performance.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup final will introduce a new element to the tournament. The halftime show will combine music, entertainment, and global sport on one stage.
Performances from Shakira, Madonna, BTS, and the Ghetto Kids will headline the event. Chris Martin and Global Citizen have also played key roles in shaping the production. At the same time, the show will support a global education initiative that aims to help children in more than 200 countries.
With record viewership expected, the halftime show could become one of the most memorable moments in World Cup history.
