Staff Reporter
ZURICH: FIFA and Global Citizen have announced that Madonna, Shakira and BTS will headline the inaugural FIFA World Cup 2026 Final Halftime Show on July 19 at New York New Jersey Stadium.
The landmark performance, curated by Chris Martin of Coldplay, will be broadcast live to millions of viewers worldwide during the FIFA World Cup 2026 final.
The halftime show will support the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund, an initiative aiming to raise $100m to expand access to quality education and football opportunities for children around the world. Organisers said more than $30m has already been raised, with $1 from every FIFA World Cup 2026 match ticket contributing towards social and educational projects globally.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino described the performers as global icons whose music transcends cultures and generations.
“As the world comes together for the biggest match in football, this historic show will also shine a light on a greater purpose by supporting the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund and our shared mission to expand access to quality education and football opportunities for children worldwide,” Infantino said.
The event will also feature appearances by characters from Sesame Street and The Muppets, reinforcing the campaign’s focus on children’s education and learning opportunities.
The production is being organised by Global Citizen in partnership with Live Nation and Done + Dusted.
Speaking about the initiative, Madonna said participating in the World Cup final in support of children’s education carried deep personal significance.
“Without education, children are denied opportunity before they even have a chance. Every child deserves access to quality learning because education creates lasting change,” she said.
Shakira, who also serves as a board member of the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund, said the event would unite music and education on the world’s biggest sporting stage.
“I’ve spent my life doing two things — making songs and building schools. At the FIFA World Cup, those two paths come together,” she said, adding that she would perform “Dai Dai,” the song she created for the tournament and the education initiative.
BTS said music has the power to connect people across cultures and inspire hope.
“We’re honoured to celebrate that power at the World Cup by connecting with millions of viewers around the world in support of children’s education,” the group said.
Global Citizen Co-Founder and CEO Hugh Evans said the initiative aimed to create a lasting legacy beyond football.
“By bringing together the world’s greatest artists, football, and a shared commitment to education, we have an opportunity to turn a defining cultural moment into enormous impact through the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund,” he said.
Earlier this week, FIFA and Global Citizen announced the first organisations selected to receive grants from the fund, supporting education and football programmes for children in underserved communities across 10 countries.
The advisory board of the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund includes high-profile figures such as Hugh Jackman, The Weeknd, Serena Williams and Kaká.
