Shakira, Madonna and BTS Set to Headline First-Ever World Cup Halftime Show

For the first time in the tournament’s history, the FIFA World Cup final will have a halftime show. Shakira, Madonna, and BTS are the headliners, FIFA confirmed on Thursday, bringing together Latin pop, American pop, and K-pop headliners. The final is scheduled for July 19 at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. The 2022 final drew more than 500 million live viewers without a single musical act.

Photo: Getty images

Adding one now is widely seen as a deliberate step to amplify the event’s impact. The lineup was revealed in a social media video posted by Chris Martin of Coldplay, featuring characters from Sesame Street and the Muppets. Martin, who has been leading the tournament’s entertainment programming, explained his selection choices during an interview with Elmo. “It’s a chance to show how amazing all different kinds of humans are,” he said. The three acts span different continents, fan bases, and musical generations in a combination rarely seen on a single stage.

All three artists enter the announcement with strong recent activity and visibility. Shakira has released a new track titled “Dai Dai,” the official tournament song featuring Afrobeats star Burna Boy, and she previously performed at the 2010 World Cup opening ceremony in South Africa. Madonna is also expected to release new music around the same period, according to industry reports.

BTS reunited as a full group in March for the first time in nearly four years completing mandatory military service obligations.

Photo: Getty images

The show itself will be produced by Global Citizen, the nonprofit behind large-scale concerts tied to causes like hunger and poverty. FIFA and Global Citizen tested the format last summer during the Club World Cup final at MetLife Stadium where Doja Cat, Tems and J Balvin performed from a stage built into the stands. The format is being expanded after a test run at the Club World Cup final.

The tournament begins next month across 16 cities in the United States, Mexico, and Canada, with U.S. broadcasts on Fox and Telemundo.