FIFA World Cup 2026 final halftime show lineup revealed: Justin Bieber, BTS, Madonna, Shakira to perform
New York, July 9
FIFA President Gianni Infantino has unveiled the full lineup for the first-ever FIFA World Cup Final halftime show, confirming that Justin Bieber will join Madonna, Shakira and BTS as co-headliners for the historic performance on July 19.
The 11-minute entertainment spectacle will take place midway through the FIFA World Cup 2026 final at the New York New Jersey Stadium (MetLife Stadium) in New York/New Jersey.
FIFA said the show is being curated by Chris Martin of Coldplay in partnership with Global Citizen and will support the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund.
Bieber has been announced as the final co-headliner, joining the previously confirmed trio of Madonna, Shakira and BTS for what FIFA is positioning as a landmark event that blends football and music on the sport's biggest stage.
The halftime show will also feature performances and appearances by Burna Boy, renowned conductor Gustavo Dudamel, and the PS22 Chorus featuring Coldplay.
According to FIFA, the performance is designed to go beyond entertainment by supporting the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund, with a mission to expand access to quality education and football opportunities for children around the world.
In an official statement shared on social media, Infantino highlighted the purpose behind the event, writing, "When it comes to what the world needs, there is nothing more important than education... As the world unites for the most significant football match in history on Sunday, 19 July 2026 at the New York New Jersey Stadium, this groundbreaking spectacle, curated by Chris Martin of Coldplay, will celebrate football, music and our shared values, ensuring a legacy that transcends the final whistle."
Infantino added that the artists and performers would help in "conveying a powerful message of unity and hope to billions of people worldwide."
The announcement comes as the 2026 FIFA World Cup enters its knockout stages, with the tournament down to eight teams in the quarterfinals.
The remaining nations include former champions Argentina, France, Spain and England, alongside Morocco, Belgium, Norway and Switzerland, who are still chasing their first World Cup title.
Earlier in the tournament, FIFA staged three opening ceremonies across the co-host nations of Mexico, Canada and the United States to mark the first men's World Cup hosted by three countries.
Those celebrations featured performances from artists including Shakira, Burna Boy, Andrea Bocelli, J Balvin, Katy Perry, LISA, Anitta and Rema.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Why is Justin Bieber headlining? He's been irrelevant since 2015. Madonna is a legend, Shakira is queen of the World Cup anthems, BTS has the fanbase—but Bieber? I'd rather see AR Rahman or Diljit Dosanjh representing Asia on that stage. FIFA is missing a huge Indian audience by not including desi artists.
As an American living in Mumbai, I think this lineup is incredible. Madonna and BTS together? That's like mixing chai with espresso—unexpected but brilliant. The real winner here is Global Citizen getting that education fund. We need more events that use football's platform for social good.
Chris Martin curating? That explains the Coldplay vibes. But honestly, 11 minutes for all these legends? That's going to be rushed like a Mumbai local train during peak hours. 🚂 They should extend the halftime to at least 20 minutes. Also, where are the Indian artists? We have 1.4 billion people who love football and music!
Love the inclusion of Burna Boy and the PS22 Chorus. This feels more diverse than the Super Bowl halftime shows we're used to. But I wish they'd focused on emerging artists instead of recycling the same old names like Madonna and Bieber. The education angle is nice—hope it's not just PR.
As someone who grew up watching Shakira's 'Waka Waka' on repeat, this is nostalgia overload! 🥹 But I'm worried the global fanbase won't get enough screen time. BTS fans (
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