The FIFA World Cup 2026 final is set to offer 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 show, curated by Coldplay frontman Chris Martin, will take place during the World Cup final at the New York New Jersey Stadium on July 19, bringing together some of the biggest names in music with 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 casts alongside world music icons
Bieber will be joined on stage by 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 a part of this Halftime Show, and even more grateful to know that it has helped expand access to education for children around the world.”FIFA President Gianni Infantino said the lineup reflects the tournament’s ambition to combine sport, music and social impact on the biggest stage.“We are proud to have Justin Bieber join 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,” said Infantino.
Burna Boy, Chris Martin and the causes of the world take the stage
One of the standout performers was Burna Boy, who teamed up with Shakira on the official song of the tournament, “Dai Dai,” a multilingual anthem that mixes Afrobeats and Latin rhythms that became one of the main tracks of the World Cup.“The FIFA World Cup is one of the few times that truly brings the whole world together,” Burna Boy said. “To represent Africa at the first ever FIFA World Cup Final Halftime Show is a privilege and a responsibility that I do not take for granted. 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, who curated the groundbreaking show, said in FIFA’s announcement film that the show is “all about togetherness … and everyone is invited.”Unlike the NFL’s Super Bowl, football has traditionally featured pre-match entertainment rather than halftime shows, making this year’s World Cup final a historic first.