By Nana Karikari, Senior Global Affairs Correspondent
Madonna, Shakira, and BTS will make history as the first-ever halftime headliners for a FIFA World Cup final, organizers announced early Thursday.
The global icons are set to perform an 11-minute show on July 19 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. This unprecedented move by FIFA, revealed in collaboration with The Muppets, officially introduces a Super Bowl-style entertainment format to soccer’s most prestigious stage.
Muppets and Chris Martin Reveal Star-Studded Lineup The groundbreaking announcement arrived via a social media video featuring Coldplay frontman Chris Martin and a cast of Sesame Street and Muppet favorites. Martin, who is curating the spectacle, selected the lineup with a series of comedic nods to his “furry friends.”
Elmo advocated for Madonna, while Cookie Monster took a break from eating to suggest BTS. The character Animal made his preference known by shouting, “Animal want Shakira.” While Miss Piggy initially assumed she would be the star, she reportedly took the final decision well. The announcement concluded with a live FaceTime call to confirm the participation of all seven BTS members.
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Beyond the entertainment value, the performance serves as a massive fundraising vehicle for the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund. Organizers stated on X that the initiative “aims to raise $100 million to expand access to quality education and football for children around the world.” To hit this target, FIFA confirmed that $1 from every ticket sold throughout the 2026 tournament will be donated directly to the cause. The fund has already secured more than $30 million, or approximately £73 million, toward its ultimate goal.
Shakira Continues Longstanding Partnership with FIFA
Building on this philanthropic momentum is Shakira, who is no stranger to the World Cup stage. The Colombian superstar released her newest official tournament song, “Dai Dai,” on Thursday. The track, featuring Nigerian artist Burna Boy, uses an Italian phrase meaning “let’s go” or “come on.” This marks her third major contribution to the FIFA songbook, following 2010’s “Waka Waka (This Time for Africa)” and 2014’s “La La La.” FIFA President Gianni Infantino hailed the collaboration, stating it “will be a historic moment for the Fifa World Cup, befitting the biggest sporting event in the world.”
African Stars Take Center Stage in Global Celebration
The inclusion of Burna Boy on the official anthem underscores the dominant role African artists now play in the global music industry. This “Afrobeats to the World” narrative continues throughout the tournament, as South African breakout star Tyla is also slated to perform during the opening ceremonies. By weaving these sounds into the final’s identity, FIFA is acknowledging the massive influence of the African continent on modern culture. These performances ensure that the tournament in North America remains a truly inclusive global summit.
Madonna and BTS Bring Global Momentum to MetLife
The halftime show also serves as a high-profile platform for Madonna and BTS to showcase recent career milestones. Madonna, the best-selling female artist of all time, will release her 15th studio album, Confessions II, on July 3. The 67-year-old icon recently reminded fans of her enduring stage presence with a surprise Coachella appearance alongside Sabrina Carpenter. Similarly, BTS is currently in the midst of a massive 85-date world tour following their return from mandatory military service. Their new album, ARIRANG, recently dominated the Billboard 200, further cementing the group’s status as a global phenomenon with over 45 million albums sold.
North American Tournament Expands Entertainment Scope
This shift toward high-concept entertainment will define the 2026 World Cup, which kicks off June 11 across the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. While Madonna and Shakira both bring Super Bowl halftime experience to the table, this remains a first for the FIFA final. The tournament’s expanded musical roster includes Katy Perry, Future, LISA, and Anitta, all set to perform at various stages.
The introduction of this mid-match spectacle represents a transformative era for FIFA as it blends elite athletics with high-production artistry. By uniting icons from three distinct musical landscapes, the organization is positioning the final as more than a match. This strategic synergy ensures the 2026 tournament leaves a cultural legacy that resonates far beyond the final whistle.
