The controversial World Cup half-time show adds another superstar act for 19 July

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FT Desk

At the 2026 World Cup final, there will be a Super Bowl-esque half-time show for the first time ever at the interval.

FIFA president Gianni Infantino confirmed in April that there would be a historic half-time show featured in the game.

"I can confirm the first-ever half-time show at a FIFA World Cup final in New York New Jersey," He wrote on Instagram.

"This will be a historic moment for the Fifa World Cup and a show befitting the biggest sporting event in the world."

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It was then confirmed that the performers will be Madonna, BTS and Shakira, with the Colombian set to perform the official World Cup anthem, "Dai Dai".

FIFA revealed on their Instagram page: “On July 19, the FIFA World Cup 2026 Final Halftime Show is coming to New York New Jersey Stadium, featuring superstars @madonna, @shakira, and @bts.bighitofficial, curated by@coldplay ‘s Chris Martin!

“A FIFA World Cup first, the Halftime Show supports the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund, a landmark initiative working to raise $100 USD million to expand access to quality education and football for children around the world. Throughout the tournament, USD 1 from every ticket sold to FIFA World Cup 2026 matches will be donated to the Fund.”

There are some additions to the line-up, though, as Canadian superstar Justin Bieber will also perform at the half-time show.

The half-time show is partly being implemented for charitable reasons as FIFA's Global Citizen Education Fund hopes to raise $100 million to enhance education for underprivileged kids around the world as well as access to football.

“The FIFA World Cup brings the world together in a way nothing else can. I’m grateful to be part of this Halftime Show, and even more grateful knowing it’s already helping expand access to education for children around the world," Bieber said.

Also joining the lineup are acclaimed Nigerian artist Burna Boy, renowned conductor Gustavo Dudamel, and the celebrated PS22 Chorus, adding a diverse mix of musical talent to the spectacle. The show will also feature beloved Muppets characters such as Kermit the Frog and Miss Piggy, blending iconic family entertainment with world-class performances to create an event designed to appeal to audiences of all ages.

“The FIFA World Cup is one of the few moments that truly brings the entire world together,” Burna Boy said.

“To represent Africa on the first-ever FIFA World Cup Final Halftime Show is a privilege and a responsibility that I don’t take lightly. I’m honoured to be part of a performance that not only celebrates football and culture, but also helps create greater opportunities for children through education around the world.”

Infantino echoed that, saying:

“When it comes to what the world needs, there is nothing more important than education. We are proud to have Justin Bieber joining Madonna, Shakira and BTS to co-headline the FIFA World Cup 2026 Final Halftime Show in support of the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund and our mission to expand access to quality education and football opportunities for children around the world.”

The half-time interva at the World Cup final is set to be much longer than the allocated 15-minute timeslot usually reserved for soccer matches, due to the half-time show.