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FIFA is taking the World Cup final experience to a whole new level. Global music heavyweights Madonna, Shakira, and BTS are set to headline the first-ever halftime show during the FIFA World Cup final in 2026, a move that has already sparked massive excitement and debate among football fans worldwide.

Highlights

FIFA confirmed the first-ever World Cup final halftime show.
Madonna, Shakira and BTS will headline the performance.
The final will take place on July 19, 2026, at MetLife Stadium.
Chris Martin is curating the entertainment segment.
Shakira is also preparing a new World Cup song with Burna Boy.

Main Story

FIFA Introduces Halftime Entertainment to World Cup Final

Football’s biggest stage is set for a major entertainment makeover after FIFA announced plans for a halftime performance during the 2026 World Cup final.

The historic show will happen on July 19 at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, where millions of fans across the globe are expected to tune in for the tournament finale.

Leading the performance lineup are international music icons Madonna, Shakira and BTS, making it one of the most star-studded musical moments in football history.

Chris Martin to Curate the Show

FIFA revealed that Coldplay frontman Chris Martin will oversee the halftime production, which is expected to mirror the style and energy of the famous Super Bowl halftime shows in the United States.

According to FIFA, the event will also support the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund, an initiative targeting $100 million to improve access to education and football opportunities for children around the world.

The entertainment segment signals FIFA’s growing push to blend sport, music and global culture into one large-scale spectacle.

Shakira Returns to the World Cup Stage

For many football fans, Shakira’s involvement feels like a full-circle moment.

The Colombian superstar remains closely linked to the World Cup after her 2010 anthem “Waka Waka” became one of the tournament’s most memorable songs.

Reports also indicate that she is preparing a brand-new official World Cup track alongside Nigerian Grammy-winning artist Burna Boy, adding even more anticipation ahead of the tournament.

Fans Divided Over FIFA’s New Direction

While many supporters welcomed the announcement and praised FIFA for modernising the viewing experience, others questioned whether football finals should adopt American-style entertainment traditions.

Online discussions quickly erupted after the news broke, with some fans excited about the crossover between football and pop culture, while traditionalists argued that the focus should remain purely on the sport itself.

Still, the announcement has undeniably generated global buzz long before the tournament kicks off.

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