FIFA and Global Citizen have jointly announced a historic event: global music sensations Madonna, Shakira, and BTS will co-headline the inaugural halftime show at a FIFA World Cup final. This landmark performance is scheduled to take place during the FIFA World Cup 2026 final on Sunday, July 19, at the New York New Jersey Stadium in the United States, promising a spectacular blend of sport and entertainment on the world’s biggest stage.

The eagerly anticipated show will be curated by Chris Martin of Coldplay and is set to be broadcast live to millions of viewers globally. Beyond the musical spectacle, the halftime show carries a profound humanitarian purpose: it will actively support the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund. This ambitious initiative aims to raise 100 million US dollars, dedicated to significantly improving access to quality education and football opportunities for children across the globe. Substantial progress has already been made, with over 30 million dollars already generated for the fund.

FIFA has confirmed its commitment to this cause, stating that one dollar from every ticket sold for World Cup matches will be channeled towards social projects worldwide. FIFA President Gianni Infantino emphasized the event's unique nature, describing it as a historic moment that will seamlessly unite football, music, and humanitarian impact. He highlighted the chosen artists, stating, “Madonna, Shakira and BTS are global icons whose music transcends borders and generations. This historic show will also shine a light on a greater purpose by supporting the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund and our shared mission to expand access to quality education and football opportunities for children worldwide.”

Further enhancing the family-friendly and educational aspects of the performance, popular children’s television characters from Sesame Street and The Muppets are also expected to make an appearance. This inclusion is part of a broader effort to promote learning and child development through the event. The headlining artists expressed their enthusiasm for the initiative: Madonna described performing at the World Cup final as “deeply meaningful,” while Shakira revealed she would debut “Dai Dai,” a song specifically created for the tournament and its education initiative. BTS echoed these sentiments, articulating music as “the universal language of hope and harmony” and expressing their honor in supporting children’s education through this monumental global event.