Madonna, Shakira, BTS to headline first World Cup final half-time show

Global music stars Madonna, Shakira and South Korean group BTS are set to headline the first-ever Super Bowl-style half-time show at a FIFA World Cup final.

 

The performance will take place during the 2026 FIFA World Cup final scheduled for July 19 in New Jersey, United States, at the conclusion of the tournament co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico.

 

According to BBC Sport on Thursday, the entertainment segment is expected to last about 11 minutes, although there are reports it could extend beyond 15 minutes.

 

FIFA regulations currently state that half-time intervals should not exceed 15 minutes.

 

The initiative marks the first time a FIFA World Cup final will feature a large-scale, structured half-time entertainment performance similar to the format popularised by the Super Bowl in the United States.

 

FIFA President Gianni Infantino described the development as a landmark moment for global football.

 

“It will be a historic moment for the FIFA World Cup, befitting the biggest sporting event in the world,” Infantino said.

 

Shakira, who performed the official 2010 FIFA World Cup song Waka Waka (This Time for Africa) in South Africa, is also expected to release a new tournament track titled Dai Dai featuring Nigerian Grammy-winning singer Burna Boy.

 

Madonna, regarded as the best-selling female music artist of all time, is reportedly preparing for the release of her 15th studio album, while BTS continues its international comeback following a temporary break for mandatory military service in South Korea.

 

The half-time show will be curated by Coldplay frontman Chris Martin and will also support the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund, an initiative targeting $100 million to improve access to education for children worldwide.