The FIFA World Cup final is getting a major entertainment upgrade this year, with global music stars Madonna, Shakira and BTS confirmed to headline the tournament’s first-ever Super Bowl-style half-time show. The historic performance is expected to turn the biggest football event on the planet into an unforgettable global pop culture moment.
Highlights
- Madonna, Shakira and BTS will perform during the World Cup final.
- The final takes place in New Jersey on 19 July.
- FIFA is introducing its first-ever half-time concert at a World Cup final.
- The show will reportedly run for around 11 minutes.
- Funds raised will support children’s education worldwide.
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FIFA Brings Super Bowl Energy to the World Cup
Football fans can expect more than just action on the pitch during this summer’s FIFA World Cup final.
For the first time in the tournament’s history, FIFA will stage a large-scale half-time entertainment show similar to the famous performances seen during the Super Bowl in the United States.
The final, set to take place in New Jersey on 19 July, will feature performances from some of the biggest names in global music.
The event is expected to last around 11 minutes, although speculation had earlier suggested it could stretch beyond the traditional 15-minute half-time break allowed under football regulations.
Shakira Returns to the World Cup Stage
Shakira’s inclusion comes as no surprise to football fans.
The Colombian superstar previously delivered one of the most iconic World Cup songs of all time with Waka Waka (This Time for Africa) during the 2010 tournament in South Africa.
Now, she is preparing to release another football anthem titled Dai Dai, featuring Nigerian Afrobeats star Burna Boy. The phrase translates to “let’s go” and is expected to become one of the tournament’s signature tracks.
Madonna Continues Her Legendary Run
Pop icon Madonna is also bringing her star power to the global stage.
Known as the “Queen of Pop,” the music legend remains one of the most successful female artists in history and is preparing to release her upcoming album Confessions II in July.
The 67-year-old recently surprised fans during Sabrina Carpenter’s Coachella performance, where the pair performed classics including Vogue and Like A Prayer together.
BTS Make Another Major Comeback
Meanwhile, BTS continue their long-awaited return to music following a break taken to complete mandatory military service in South Korea.
The seven-member group remains the country’s biggest-selling music act ever, with millions of albums sold worldwide and an enormous international fanbase.
The performance at the World Cup final will happen while the group is in the middle of a massive global tour, adding even more excitement for fans across the world.
The K-pop stars previously collaborated with Coldplay on the hit song My Universe.
Chris Martin Helping Shape the Show
Coldplay frontman Chris Martin is reportedly curating the half-time performance.
Beyond entertainment, the event will also support the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund, which aims to raise millions of dollars to support children’s education worldwide.
FIFA president Gianni Infantino previously described the show as a “historic moment” for the World Cup and a celebration worthy of the planet’s biggest sporting event.
With football, pop culture and global entertainment colliding on one stage, this year’s World Cup final could become one of the most watched live shows in history.
