BTS, Shakira, Madonna Confirmed for Historic 2026 World Cup Final Halftime Show
Published June 13, 2026
Global music sensations BTS, Shakira, and Madonna are officially set to headline the inaugural FIFA World Cup Final Halftime Show in 2026, promising a spectacular blend of music and sport.
Published — local time around the world
The 2026 FIFA World Cup is already shaping up to be an event of unprecedented scale, and now, the final match is poised to make history beyond the pitch. FIFA has officially confirmed that K-pop phenomenon BTS will join international music icons Shakira and Madonna to perform at the tournament's first-ever Final Halftime Show. This groundbreaking announcement elevates the closing ceremony of the expanded 48-team tournament, co-hosted by the USA, Canada, and Mexico, to a new level of global entertainment.
Scheduled for Sunday, July 19, 2026, the highly anticipated performance will take place at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, one of the 16 venues hosting matches across North America. The decision to introduce a halftime show for the World Cup Final mirrors the successful model seen in other major sporting events, aiming to captivate a worldwide audience with a fusion of athletic prowess and musical artistry. This move is expected to draw in millions of viewers, further cementing football's place at the intersection of sport and culture.
The inclusion of such globally recognized artists underscores FIFA's ambition to create a memorable experience for fans. FIFA President Gianni Infantino reportedly highlighted the artists' ability to transcend borders and generations, welcoming them to what is curated as a landmark event. The combination of BTS's immense global fanbase, Shakira's enduring appeal, and Madonna's legendary status is sure to generate considerable excitement among both football enthusiasts and music lovers in the lead-up to the grand finale of the 2026 World Cup.