The FIFA World Cup final on July 19, 2026, will mark a historic change by featuring the tournament’s first-ever full halftime show, ending a 96-year tradition that only allowed for tactical analysis and players’ regrouping during the break. This 11-minute performance, curated by Coldplay’s Chris Martin and produced by Global Citizen, will showcase global superstars Madonna, Shakira, Justin Bieber, and BTS, joined by Burna Boy and conductor Gustavo Dudamel, leading a blended orchestra from Los Angeles and Venezuela. The show will be broadcast to what is expected to be the largest television audience in sports, coinciding with record-breaking viewership anticipated at the New Jersey-based final.

Until now, World Cup finals had never included a musical halftime event, though FIFA experimented with a halftime show during the 2025 Club World Cup final featuring artists like J Balvin and Doja Cat. The decision to introduce a halftime show at the main World Cup final coincides with the tournament’s expanding global viewership and growing commercial opportunities, including streaming platforms. The 2026 final’s halftime show reflects football’s worldwide appeal by integrating performers from the United States, Latin America, and South Korea, embodying the sport’s cultural diversity.

Each headliner adds particular significance to the event: Madonna is a seven-time Grammy winner, BTS are notable as the first K-pop group nominated for a Grammy, and Shakira carries a deep connection to the World Cup, internationally recognized for her 2010 anthem “Waka Waka,” which holds a Guinness World Record for the most-streamed FIFA World Cup song on Spotify. Shakira and Burna Boy will also perform “Dai Dai,” the official song for the 2026 tournament, making them the only artists to perform at both the opening ceremony and closing halftime show, amplifying the event’s full-circle narrative.

The halftime performance also supports a charitable mission, aiming to raise $100 million for the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund to improve access to education and football opportunities for children worldwide. Fans in the United States can watch the show live on Fox Sports with the match airing on FOX, while Spanish-language coverage will be available via NBCUniversal's Peacock and Telemundo. The inclusion of characters from Sesame Street and The Muppets during the show further highlights the event’s emphasis on children’s education and global unity.