FIFA Announces First Halftime Show for 2026 World Cup Final
FIFA will stage a halftime performance at the 2026 World Cup final in New Jersey featuring performances by Madonna, Shakira and the South Korean boy band. The show is curated by Coldplay frontman Chris Martin and marks the first such entertainment at the tournament's climax. FIFA aims to emulate the scale of the NFL's Super Bowl halftime shows.
awfulannouncing.comFIFA has announced that the final of the 2026 World Cup will feature its first-ever halftime show, to be held at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey this July. The performance will be headlined by Madonna, Shakira and the South Korean boy band, with the event curated by Coldplay's Chris Martin.
“Dai Dai brings together the global sounds and energy of Shakira and Burna Boy in a vibrant celebration of football, culture and unity.”
Shakira has previously performed at multiple World Cup opening and closing ceremonies. Last week she released "Dai Dai," the official song of the 2026 tournament, in collaboration with Nigerian artist Burna Boy. Royalties from the track, now available on major streaming platforms, will support the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund.
The 2026 World Cup begins next month and will be the first edition co-hosted by three countries: the United States, Canada and Mexico. The tournament will expand to 48 teams, increasing the number of matches and global participation. The final at MetLife Stadium is expected to draw one of the largest audiences in sporting history.
By adding a halftime concert, FIFA is adopting a format long used in American football to combine sport with mass entertainment.
FIFA officials stated the initiative is designed to expand the tournament's reach beyond traditional football audiences and to generate additional advertising revenue. The organization had not previously included a dedicated halftime entertainment segment during its flagship event.
The halftime show will be the culmination of a month-long tournament that begins with matches across the three host nations. Organizers hope the combination of elite football and major musical acts will create a unified global spectacle. No further details on the exact length of the performance or additional supporting artists have been released.
The announcement has drawn attention on social media, with fans expressing anticipation for the combination of established pop stars and the South Korean group. The tournament's expanded format and multi-nation hosting are expected to set new benchmarks for viewership and economic impact.
