The 2026 FIFA World Cup final promises to be a show that transcends football, with FIFA announcing a star-studded line-up for the tournament’s first Super Bowl-style half-time show, with Justin Bieber co-headlining alongside Madonna, Shakira and BTS.The 11-minute show, curated by Coldplay frontman Chris Martin, will take place during the World Cup finals at New Jersey Stadium in New York on July 19, bringing together some of the biggest names in music and global sports icons for a landmark celebration of football and culture.FIFA said the historic halftime performance will support the FIFA Global Citizenship Education Fund, which aims to raise $100 million to expand access to education and football opportunities for children around the world. More than $50 million has been raised, with $1 donated to the program for every World Cup ticket sold.
Bieber shines with cast of global music icons
Joining Bieber on stage are Madonna, Shakira and BTS, as well as performances by Afrobeat superstar Burna Boy, internationally renowned Venezuelan conductor Gustavo Dudamel and the award-winning PS22 Chorus in partnership with Coldplay.Beloved characters from Sesame Street and The Muppets, including Kermit the Frog and Miss Piggy, will make appearances on the show, adding to the family-friendly atmosphere of the event.“this fifa world cup “Bringing the world together in a way nothing else can,” Bieber said in a statement. “I’m excited to be a part of this halftime show and even more grateful knowing it has helped expand educational opportunities for children around the world.”FIFA President Gianni Infantino said the line-up reflected the tournament’s ambition to bring together sport, music and social impact on the biggest stage.Infantino said: “We are honored to have Justin Bieber co-host the 2026 FIFA World Cup Final Halftime Show alongside Madonna, Shakira and BTS in support of the FIFA Global Citizenship Education Fund and our mission to provide more quality education and football opportunities for children around the world.”
Burna Boy, Chris Martin and global careers take center stage
One of the standout performers was Burna Boy, who collaborated with Shakira to create the official song of the World Cup, “Dai Dai,” a multilingual anthem that blends African and Latin rhythms and has become one of the World Cup’s signature tracks.“The FIFA World Cup is one of the few moments that truly brings the whole world together,” said Bernard Boy. “Representing Africa at the first FIFA World Cup final half-time show is an honor and a responsibility that I don’t take lightly. I am honored to be a part of a show that not only celebrates football and culture, but also helps create more opportunities for children through education around the world.“Chris Martin, the man behind the groundbreaking show, said in FIFA’s announcement video that the show would be “all about unity… everyone is invited”.Unlike the NFL’s Super Bowl, rugby has traditionally featured pre-game entertainment rather than halftime shows, making this year’s World Cup final a historic first.
