The 2026 FIFA World Cup final will feature an unprecedented halftime show headlined by Shakira, Madonna, and BTS. This exciting announcement was made by Coldplay’s Chris Martin in a social media video, where he was joined by beloved characters from Sesame Street and The Muppets, including Elmo, Cookie Monster, Kermit, and Miss Piggy. The event is scheduled for July 19 at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey and aims to raise funds for the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund, which focuses on providing quality education and football opportunities for children around the globe.

Artists and Their Recent Projects

Shakira recently released "Dai Dai," the official song for the 2026 World Cup, collaborating with Burna Boy. This marks her second World Cup track, following her iconic performance of "Waka, Waka (This Time for Africa)" during the 2010 World Cup opening ceremony in South Africa. Meanwhile, Madonna is preparing for her return to the Tribeca Festival this summer with a new cinematic project linked to her upcoming studio album, Confessions II, set to be released on July 3. She debuted the album's lead single, "Bring Your Love," during Sabrina Carpenter’s set at Coachella.

BTS also made headlines earlier this year with the release of their sixth studio album, Arirang, marking their return after nearly four years following the completion of mandatory military service by all seven members. The group kicked off their Arirang world tour in North America in April, performing three sold-out nights at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida.

Opening Ceremony Performers

In addition to the halftime show, FIFA recently announced the lineup for the opening ceremony of the first World Cup game in the United States. Scheduled for June 12 at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California, the ceremony will feature performances by Katy Perry, Future, Anitta, Lisa, Rema, and Tyla. The opening match will see the U.S. face Paraguay. In Canada, the opener against Bosnia and Herzegovina at Toronto’s BMO Field will include performances by Alanis Morissette, Alessia Cara, and others. Meanwhile, Mexico's opening ceremony will feature J Balvin, Tyla, and several more artists before the match between Mexico and South Africa at Azteca Stadium in Mexico City on June 11.

This year's World Cup promises to be a spectacular event, not only for the football matches but also for the star-studded entertainment that will accompany it.