Madonna, Shakira, BTS to Headline FIFA World Cup Halftime

FIFA has announced that Madonna, Shakira, and BTS will headline the inaugural halftime show at the FIFA World Cup Final scheduled for July 19, 2026, at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. This lineup features a blend of pop, Latin, and K-pop artists, showcasing the diverse global audience of football.

Madonna is recognized as a significant figure in pop music, while Shakira's association with football, particularly her 2010 World Cup anthem "Waka Waka," has made her a familiar face among football fans. BTS represents the growing influence of Korean pop music.

The halftime show is part of FIFA's strategy to enhance the cultural appeal of the World Cup, following a successful trial run at the FIFA Club World Cup, which included performances by American rapper Doja Cat and Nigerian singer Tems. Chris Martin, lead singer of Coldplay, shared the lineup via a social media video featuring characters from Sesame Street.

The event is expected to attract hundreds of millions of viewers globally.