Global superstars Madonna, Shakira, and K-pop group BTS are set to headline the FIFA World Cup’s first-ever halftime entertainment show, introducing a Super Bowl-inspired spectacle to football’s biggest event.
The performance is scheduled for the World Cup final on July 19 in New Jersey during the tournament jointly hosted by United States, Canada, and Mexico.
According to BBC Sport, the show is expected to run for approximately 11 minutes, although reports suggest it could stretch beyond 15 minutes despite FIFA regulations limiting halftime breaks to that duration.
The event will mark the first time a FIFA World Cup final features a large-scale organized halftime concert, reflecting FIFA’s move to blend football with global entertainment culture.
FIFA president Gianni Infantino described the initiative as a landmark moment for the tournament.
“It will be a historic moment for the FIFA World Cup, befitting the biggest sporting event in the world,” Infantino said.
Shakira, who performed the iconic 2010 World Cup anthem Waka Waka (This Time for Africa) in South Africa, is also reportedly preparing to release a new tournament song titled Dai Dai featuring Nigerian Grammy winner Burna Boy.
Meanwhile, Madonna is preparing for the release of her 15th studio album, while BTS continues its international comeback after members completed mandatory military service in South Korea.
The halftime production will be coordinated by Chris Martin and will support the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund, a campaign targeting 100 million dollars to improve access to education for children globally.
FIFA’s latest move underscores its broader effort to transform the World Cup into a global cultural and entertainment platform beyond football.
