The FIFA World Cup 2026 final is set to deliver a spectacle beyond football after FIFA unveiled a star-studded lineup for the tournament’s first-ever Super Bowl-style halftime show, with Justin Bieber joining Madonna, Shakira and BTS as co-headliners.The 11-minute performance, curated by Coldplay frontman Chris Martin, will take place during the World Cup final at New York New Jersey Stadium on July 19, bringing together some of the biggest names in music alongside global sporting icons for a landmark celebration of football and culture.FIFA said the historic halftime show will support the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund, which aims to raise USD 100 million to expand access to education and football opportunities for children around the world. More than USD 50 million has already been raised, with USD 1 from every World Cup ticket sold being donated to the initiative.
Bieber headlines glittering cast alongside global music icons
Joining Bieber on stage will be Madonna, Shakira and BTS, while Afrobeats superstar Burna Boy, internationally acclaimed Venezuelan conductor Gustavo Dudamel and the award-winning PS22 Chorus featuring Coldplay will also perform.Adding a family-friendly touch to the event, beloved characters from Sesame Street and The Muppets, including Kermit the Frog and Miss Piggy, will make appearances during the show.“The FIFA World Cup brings the world together in a way nothing else can,” Bieber said in a statement. “I’m grateful to be part of this Halftime Show, and even more grateful knowing it’s already helping expand access to education for children around the world.”FIFA President Gianni Infantino said the lineup reflected the tournament’s ambition to unite sport, music and social impact on the biggest stage.“We are proud to have Justin Bieber joining Madonna, Shakira and BTS to co-headline the FIFA World Cup 2026 Final Halftime Show in support of the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund and our mission to expand access to quality education and football opportunities for children around the world,” Infantino said.
Burna Boy, Chris Martin and global cause take centre stage
One of the standout performers is Burna Boy, who teamed up with Shakira on the tournament’s official song, “Dai Dai,” a multilingual anthem blending Afrobeats and Latin rhythms that has become one of the defining tracks of the World Cup.“The FIFA World Cup is one of the few moments that truly brings the entire world together,” Burna Boy said. “To represent Africa on the first-ever FIFA World Cup Final Halftime Show is a privilege and a responsibility that I don’t take lightly. I’m honoured to be part of a performance that not only celebrates football and culture but also helps create greater opportunities for children through education around the world.“Chris Martin, who is curating the groundbreaking show, said in FIFA’s announcement film that the performance would be “all about togetherness… and everyone’s invited.”Unlike the NFL’s Super Bowl, football has traditionally featured pre-match entertainment rather than halftime performances, making this year’s World Cup final a historic first.
