Madonna, Shakira and BTS
Global music superstars Madonna, Shakira and BTS are set to headline the first-ever Super Bowl-style half-time show at a FIFA World Cup final, marking a major shift in the entertainment experience surrounding football’s biggest event.
The historic performance will take place during the 2026 FIFA World Cup final scheduled for July 19 in New Jersey, as the tournament concludes across co-host nations United States, Canada and Mexico.
Organisers say the show will feature a large-scale production similar to the entertainment format used during the Super Bowl in the United States, blending music, sport, and global culture on one of the world’s biggest stages.
According to reports, the performance is expected to last between 11 and 15 minutes, although FIFA regulations currently limit half-time breaks to a maximum of 15 minutes.
Gianni Infantino described the initiative as a historic milestone for global football, saying the World Cup deserved an entertainment spectacle that reflects its status as the most watched sporting event in the world.
The inclusion of Shakira is expected to generate excitement among football fans, especially after her memorable 2010 World Cup anthem “Waka Waka (This Time for Africa)” became one of the tournament’s most iconic songs. Reports also indicate she may release a new official World Cup track titled “Dai Dai” featuring Nigerian Grammy-winning artist Burna Boy.
Madonna, widely regarded as one of the best-selling female music artists in history, is also preparing for the release of her next studio album, while BTS continues its global comeback following a temporary break for mandatory military service in South Korea.
The show is expected to be curated by Chris Martin of Coldplay and will support the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund, a campaign aimed at raising 100 million dollars to improve access to education for children around the world.
The development highlights FIFA’s increasing efforts to combine sports with global entertainment and expand the cultural influence of the World Cup beyond football.
