When FIFA announced the performers for the first-ever FIFA World Cup Halftime Show, the lineup immediately sparked excitement around the world: Madonna, Shakira,BTS, Justin Bieber,Burna Boy and several other acclaimed performers came together for a landmark performance that blended music, football, and global culture.
The global superstars each arrive with legions of fans, chart-topping careers, and a global reach that extends far beyond music. Together, they helped turn the first-ever FIFA World Cup Halftime Show into one of the tournament’s most anticipated moments.
The FIFA World Cup Halftime Show Is Making History
The FIFA World Cup Final has produced some of sport’s most unforgettable moments — from last-minute winners to legendary celebrations. But in 2026, history isn’t only being made on the pitch.
For the first time ever, the FIFA World Cup Final features a halftime show, transforming the world’s biggest sporting event into a global entertainment spectacle.
And FIFA isn’t thinking small.
Madonna, Shakira, BTS, Justin Bieber, and Burna Boy each brought a different kind of star power to the stage. Together, they represented generations of music fans and audiences from every corner of the world, reinforcing the FIFA World Cup’s ability to unite people through sport and entertainment. Madonna arrives as one of pop music’s most influential performers. Shakira brings a deep connection to World Cup music history, from “Waka Waka (This Time for Africa)” at the 2010 FIFA World Cup to her latest World Cup anthem, “Dai Dai.” Now, BTS is stepping into that tradition.
Together, the performers turn the first-ever FIFA World Cup Halftime Show into a cultural crossover moment built for football fans, pop fans, and global audiences watching around the world.
Why Is BTS Such a Big Deal?
Few music groups have had the kind of global impact BTS has. They topped the Billboard 200 with multiple albums, became the first all-South Korean act to reach No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, sold out stadiums around the world, and accumulated more than 20 Guinness World Records.
But BTS’ influence extends beyond music. The group has spoken at the United Nations, partnered with UNICEF on campaigns supporting children and young people, and built a fan base that spans countries, languages, and cultures.
That ability to bring people together is part of what makes BTS such a natural fit for the FIFA World Cup Halftime Show. Like the World Cup itself, the group’s appeal crosses borders, creating shared moments for millions of people around the world.
Here’s Why Is Madonna Still One of Music’s Biggest Stars
Over a career spanning more than four decades, the singer, songwriter, and performer has sold hundreds of millions of records worldwide, earned seven Grammy Awards, and become one of the best-selling music artists of all time. Often referred to as the “Queen of Pop,” Madonna helped redefine what it means to be a global superstar, influencing generations of artists through her music, performances, and constant reinvention.
From hits like “Like a Prayer,”“Vogue,” and “Hung Up” to record-breaking world tours, Madonna has remained a cultural force for decades while continuing to attract audiences across generations.
That enduring influence helps explain why Madonna’s FIFA World Cup Halftime Show performance is generating so much attention.
Shakira’s World Cup Connection is Unmatched
Her 2010 hit “Waka Waka (This Time for Africa)” became one of the most recognizable songs in tournament history, helping define the atmosphere and excitement of that year’s competition long after the final whistle blew. More than a decade later, Shakira returned to the World Cup stage with “Dai Dai,” featuring Burna Boy, once again connecting her music to football’s biggest event. While many artists perform on global stages, few have become part of the World Cup’s cultural soundtrack in the way Shakira has.
Chris Martin Curates the FIFA World Cup Halftime Show Lineup
Curated by Coldplay’s Chris Martin, a longtime Global Citizen supporter and advocate for collective action, the halftime show brought together one of the most diverse lineups ever assembled for a sporting event. Alongside Madonna, Shakira, BTS, and Justin Bieber, the performance also featured Nigerian superstar Burna Boy, acclaimed conductor Gustavo Dudamel, and New York’s PS22 Chorus with Coldplay, reflecting the global spirit of the FIFA World Cup.
More than just a showcase of musical talent, the lineup was designed to celebrate the power of sport and culture to bring people together while supporting efforts to expand access to education for children around the world.
For the first time, football’s biggest stage will host a spectacle designed to captivate audiences far beyond the final itself, creating a moment that could leave a lasting mark on both sport and popular culture.
TopicsSportsAccess to EducationFIFAMusic ActivismMusic artistsBasic EducationMusic EventsFIFA Global Citizen Education FundFIFA World Cup
