For the first time ever, the World Cup 2026 final won’t just break at halftime — it will turn into a global concert.
Madonna, Shakira and BTS headline a show curated by Coldplay’s Chris Martin. Here’s who’s performing, when, and how to watch.
Who’s Headlining the First-Ever Final Show
Madonna, Shakira and BTS will co-headline the show, FIFA confirmed. Coldplay frontman Chris Martin is curating the lineup rather than performing as a headliner himself.
The full cast announced so far:
- Madonna — headliner
- Shakira — headliner, performing “Dai Dai,” a song written for this World Cup
- BTS — headliner
- The Muppets and Sesame Street characters — a family-friendly segment
- The Ghetto Kids — the Ugandan dance troupe joining Shakira on stage
Chris Martin has described the show as being “all about togetherness… and everyone’s invited.”
When and Where the Show Takes Place
The halftime show happens during the final on Sunday, 19 July 2026, at MetLife Stadium (named New York New Jersey Stadium for the tournament) in East Rutherford, near New York.
The final kicks off at 3:00 PM ET, so the halftime break falls roughly 45 minutes later, in the afternoon US Eastern time.
If you’re travelling in for the match, book early — for full match details, see our guide to the FIFA World Cup 2026 final date, venue and kickoff time, and compare hotels near New York well in advance.
What the Halftime Show Is Raising Money For
The performance backs the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund, which aims to raise USD 100 million to expand access to schooling and football for children worldwide.
More than USD 30 million has already been raised, with USD 1 from every World Cup ticket going to the fund.
The show is produced by Global Citizen with Live Nation and Done + Dusted — the team behind large-scale live events.
How to Watch from Anywhere
The halftime show airs live as part of the final broadcast — there’s no separate ticket or stream. Wherever you watch the match, you’ll see the show.
In the United States, the final is on FOX in English and Telemundo in Spanish. Elsewhere, it airs on your country’s official World Cup rights-holder.
Check your local broadcaster’s schedule and adjust for your time zone, since the 3:00 PM ET kickoff lands late evening or overnight in much of Asia and the Middle East.
Image: ProtoplasmaKid / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 4.0)
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this really the first World Cup halftime show?
Yes. World Cup finals have always had a short, unstructured break. This is the first time FIFA has staged a full curated performance at halftime, inspired by Super Bowl-style shows.
Will Coldplay perform?
Chris Martin is curating the show, not confirmed as a headline act. The announced headliners are Madonna, Shakira and BTS.
Do I need a separate ticket for the halftime show?
No. The show takes place during the final and is part of the live broadcast. A match ticket covers it in person, and anyone watching the final on TV or stream will see it too.
Where is the final being played?
At MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey — branded New York New Jersey Stadium for the tournament — on 19 July 2026.
Sources
- FIFA — Madonna, Shakira and BTS to Headline Final Halftime Show
- Global Citizen — FIFA World Cup 2026 Final Half-Time Show
- MetLife Stadium — FIFA World Cup 2026 Final
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