Historic Haltime Show at FIFA World Cup Final

Why This Year’s Final Breaks Tradition

For 96 years the World Cup final has followed a simple halftime routine: a brief break for analysis and players to regroup. On July 19, that long‑standing pattern ends when a full musical intermission takes center stage. FIFA previously experimented with a short show at the 2025 Club World Cup final, featuring Colombian artist J Balvin for about 25 minutes. The national‑team tournament itself had never included such entertainment, making this a first for the sport’s biggest event.

The 2022 final in Qatar drew close to 1.5 billion television viewers and remains the most‑watched World Cup final ever. This year’s match in New Jersey is projected to surpass that record, turning the halftime performance into a significant commercial opportunity as streaming continues to grow. Adding a high‑profile show aligns with FIFA’s push to expand its digital and broadcast reach.

Star‑Studded Lineup and Global Education Mission

Madonna, Shakira and BTS will co‑headline the inaugural FIFA World Cup Final halftime show. Curated by Coldplay’s Chris Martin and produced by Global Citizen, the performance will raise funds for the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund, which aims to collect $100 million for education and football programs for children worldwide. Madonna’s seven Grammy Awards and BTS’s historic Grammy nomination in 2020 add star power to the event. Shakira’s musical ties to the tournament run deeper—she delivered the 2010 official song “Waka Waka (This Time for Africa),” a track that set a Guinness World Record for most Spotify streams among World Cup anthems.

Shakira will also deliver “Dai Dai,” the official anthem for the 2026 tournament, alongside Burna Boy during the opening ceremony in Mexico City. This makes her the only artist featured at both the tournament’s opening and its finale. Her participation underscores the show’s blend of global pop, Latin rhythm and K‑pop, reflecting the sport’s worldwide appeal.

BTS will appear on the halftime stage while juggling dates on their ARIRANG World Tour. The seven‑member group returned after a three‑year pause required for mandatory military service, and the final will be the largest live audience they’ve faced since that hiatus. Their performance is expected to be a high point for K‑pop fans worldwide.

Although Chris Martin will not sing lead, he curates the show and promises “big surprises.” Characters from Sesame Street and The Muppets will also join the spectacle, reinforcing its focus on children’s education. The entire program aims to boost awareness and fundraising for the education fund, blending entertainment with a social mission.

Broadcast Snags for UK Audiences

British viewers may miss the real‑time halftime entertainment. Sources cited by The Times indicate that BBC and ITV are considering sticking to their traditional punditry format during the break. If the decision stands, fans in the UK will have to watch the performance on the broadcasters’ digital platforms, possibly on a delayed basis. This could create a split viewing experience compared with audiences elsewhere.

How U.S. Viewers Can Watch Live

In the United States, the halftime show will air live on Fox Sports, with the match itself on the FOX network. Spanish‑language fans can tune into NBCUniversal’s Peacock service with a Premium or Premium Plus subscription, or watch on Telemundo. kickoff is set for 3 p.m. ET on July 19 at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.

The addition of a curated musical intermission marks a shift in how the world’s biggest football event engages its audience. By pairing star power with an education fund, FIFA aims to broaden its appeal beyond the pitch, especially as streaming platforms become more dominant. Whether viewers are watching on television, online, or on a delayed feed, the final’s halftime will be a defining moment for the sport’s entertainment strategy.