New York [US], May 15: FIFA and Global Citizen today announced that Madonna, Shakira and BTS will co-headline the historic FIFA World Cup 2026 Final Halftime Show, taking place on Sunday, 19 July at New York New Jersey Stadium. The performance will be curated by Chris Martin of Coldplay and broadcast live to millions of fans around the world.
The FIFA World Cup 2026 Final Halftime Show will support the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund, an initiative aiming to raise USD 100 million to expand access to quality education and football opportunities for children worldwide. More than USD 30 million has already been raised, with momentum continuing to build as US$1 from every ticket sold to FIFA World Cup 2026 matches will be donated to support social projects all over the world.
"Madonna, Shakira and BTS are global icons whose music transcends borders and generations, and we are proud to welcome them to the first-ever FIFA World Cup Final Halftime Show curated by Chris Martin of Coldplay," said FIFA President Gianni Infantino.
"As the world comes together for the biggest match in football on 19 July 2026 in New York New Jersey, this historic show will also shine a light on a greater purpose by supporting the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund and our shared mission to expand access to quality education and football opportunities for children worldwide. It will be a celebration of football, unity and shared humanity that will resonate far beyond the final whistle."
Characters from Sesame Street and The Muppets, who for generations have brought joyful learning to children around the world, will be part of the show. Their inclusion reinforces the purpose of the FIFA World Cup 2026 Final Halftime Show to ensure children around the world have access to quality education.
The FIFA World Cup 2026 Final Halftime Show is being produced by Global Citizen in partnership with Live Nation and Done + Dusted. In a short film announcing the performers, Coldplay's Chris Martin unveiled the star-studded lineup and said that the show will be "all about togetherness. and everyone's invited."
"Performing at the World Cup final in support of the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund is deeply meaningful to me. Without education, children are denied opportunity before they even have a chance. Every child deserves access to a quality learning - because education expands possibilities and creates lasting change," said Madonna.
Shakira, FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund Board member, said, "I've spent my life doing two things - making songs and building schools. At the FIFA World Cup, those two paths come together. Standing alongside Madonna and BTS, I'll be performing "Dai Dai", the song I created for this World Cup and for the kids around the world we will reach with the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund. My hope is that on the world's biggest stage, the importance of investing in children's education steals the show!"
BTS said, "Music is the universal language of hope and harmony, and we're honored to celebrate that power at the World Cup by connecting with millions of viewers around the world in support of children's education."
Source: Qatar Tribune