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Madonna, Shakira and K-pop group BTS are set to headline the first-ever halftime show at a FIFA World Cup final, the organization announced Thursday.
The performance is scheduled for July 19 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, during the final of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Coldplay's Chris Martin is curating the show, produced in partnership with non-profit organization Global Citizen.
FIFA president Gianni Infantino had announced in March 2025 that the World Cup final would feature "the first-ever half-time show at a FIFA World Cup final," without naming performers or specifying the show's duration.
The announcement raised questions about the length of the intermission, as previous halftime shows at major FIFA events have run beyond the regulation 15 minutes.
The halftime show concept was first introduced by FIFA at the 2025 Club World Cup final, also held at MetLife Stadium, where J Balvin, Doja Cat, and Tems performed.
That show, also curated by Martin and produced with Global Citizen, extended the break beyond the standard interval.
The 2026 World Cup final halftime show will benefit the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund, an initiative aiming to raise $100 million to expand access to quality education and football for children worldwide.
Shakira has performed at multiple World Cup events. She produced and performed "Waka Waka," the official anthem of the 2010 FIFA World Cup, and appeared at the 2006 and 2014 World Cup finals.
She also headlined the halftime show at the 2024 Copa America final in Miami.
Last week, Shakira released a teaser of the 2026 World Cup's official song, titled "Dai Dai," filmed at the Maracana Stadium in Rio de Janeiro.
The track, produced with Nigerian artist Burna Boy, was set for official release on Thursday.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup opens June 11 and marks the first time the United States has hosted the tournament since 1994.
Matches will be played across venues in the U.S., Canada and Mexico. It is also the largest World Cup in history, featuring 48 national teams.
For U.S. viewers, the tournament is broadcast on Fox in English and on Telemundo in Spanish.
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