Colombian singer Shakira will headline the 2026 World Cup final half-time show on 19 July alongside Madonna and K-pop stars BTS at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, FIFA announced Thursday. The performance, curated by Coldplay's Chris Martin, marks the first-ever half-time show at a football World Cup final, mirroring the Super Bowl tradition.
Historic Moment for FIFA
FIFA President Gianni Infantino revealed plans for the show in March 2024, calling it "a historic moment for the FIFA World Cup and a show befitting the biggest sporting event in the world." The show will support FIFA's Global Citizen Education Fund, aiming to raise $100 million for children worldwide during the tournament.
Concerns Over Extended Half-Time
The inclusion of a half-time show has raised questions about the length of the break. During last year's FIFA Club World Cup final at the same venue, the half-time interval exceeded the regulation 15 minutes. However, FIFA has not specified the duration for the World Cup final show.
Shakira's World Cup Legacy
Shakira has a long history with the World Cup, having performed at the 2006 and 2014 finals and creating the 2010 anthem "Waka Waka." Last week, she teased a new official tournament song titled "Dai Dai," produced with Nigerian artist Burna Boy. The 67-second video, filmed at Brazil's Maracanã Stadium, shows Shakira on the pitch with dancers in team colors.
Additional Performers and Logistics
Madonna and BTS will join Shakira on stage. Infantino also announced plans for FIFA to "take over" New York's Times Square during the final weekend. The 2026 World Cup, featuring 48 teams, kicks off on 11 June across the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
