First Ever Halftime Show at the 2026 World Cup: Madonna, Shakira, and BTS to Take the Stage

FIFA is making history at the 2026 World Cup final between Spain and Argentina by presenting the first halftime show in football history to the audience. Five world-famous superstars, including Madonna, Shakira, Justin Bieber, BTS, and Burna Boy, will take the stage for free in collaboration with Coldplay frontman Chris Martin and Global Citizen. All revenue generated from the event is planned to be donated to educational projects.

Unlike usual, the halftime of the match will last approximately 30 minutes, and the musical performance will start around 21:48 and last for only 11 minutes. FIFA aims to create a massive visual spectacle reminiscent of the NFL Super Bowl within this short timeframe. The mini-concerts that these giant stars will perform in this limited time are setting the stage for a historic moment.

While it is a matter of curiosity which songs the artists will perform during the show, the organization has not been without its criticisms. Although The Cure frontman Robert Smith stated that he did not like the idea of the event, the philanthropic purpose of the show stands out. FIFA's biggest challenge will be turning this 11-minute period into an unforgettable memory and managing to become a bigger topic of conversation than even the final's goal.