Madonna, Shakira and BTS have been announced as the headline performers for the first ever halftime show at the FIFA World Cup Final.
The historic performance will take place during halftime of the World Cup Final on 19 July at MetLife Stadium.
According to the official announcement, the event has been curated by Chris Martin and produced by Global Citizen.
The official statement shared on Instagram read:
“Madonna, Shakira and BTS will co-headline the first-ever FIFA World Cup Final Halftime Show at the New York New Jersey Stadium on July 19.”
“Curated by Coldplay’s Chris Martin and produced by Global Citizen, the show will raise funds for the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund, improving access to quality education and football for children around the world.”
Chris Martin joined by The Muppets and Sesame Street characters in announcement video
The launch video featured Chris Martin alongside several iconic puppets and characters from Sesame Workshop and The Muppets Studio, including Elmo, Cookie Monster, Kermit the Frog and Miss Piggy.
After catching a football in the sketch, Chris was reminded by Elmo that the sport is not played “with your hands”.
Chris then explained the idea behind the halftime event.
“Well, this year for the first time, there’s a halftime show at the World Cup Final!”
When Elmo asked what a halftime show actually was, Chris replied:
“Well, I’m glad you asked. It’s where people get together and there’s singing, and there’s dancing, and there’s music.”
“It’s a chance to show how amazing all different kinds of humans are. And monsters, aliens – it’s one big family, really.”
Madonna, BTS and Shakira were revealed during the skit
Chris asked Elmo for help finding “some giant stars” to perform at the event.
Elmo quickly suggested Madonna.
“How about Madonna? Elmo loves Madonna!”
Cookie Monster later appeared to recommend BTS, with Elmo jokingly placing the group on FaceTime to confirm their appearance.
As Chris searched for “one more big star”, Miss Piggy attempted to volunteer herself before Animal arrived to suggest Shakira.
Elmo then confirmed the singer’s involvement by saying:
“Shakira’s in and she’s bringing cookies!”
The World Cup final takes place on July 19
The 2026 FIFA World Cup Final will be held at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, with the newly introduced halftime show expected to become one of the biggest live television music events of the year.
No additional performers or surprise guests have yet been confirmed.
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