Global music icons Madonna, Shakira and South Korean sensation BTS are set to take centre stage for the halftime show at the 2026 World Cup final. The highly anticipated match and performance will take place on July 19 in New York, ESPN reports.
A halftime show for a cause
FIFA confirmed the blockbuster lineup across its social media channels, highlighting that this will be the first time the tournament has ever featured a dedicated halftime spectacle. The event has a strong philanthropic focus, specifically designed to raise funds for the organisation’s Global Citizen Education Fund. This flagship initiative aims to generate $100 mln to improve access to quality education and support grassroots football for children around the world.
To help reach this ambitious financial target, FIFA has pledged that one U.S. dollar from every ticket sold throughout the 2026 tournament will be donated directly to the fund.
The official reveal was a lighthearted affair led by Coldplay frontman Chris Martin. He was joined by a cast of beloved Muppet and Disney-owned characters including Kermit the Frog, Miss Piggy, Elmo and the Cookie Monster.
During the playful broadcast, the iconic puppets suggested the superstar trio to the British singer. The announcement even featured a video call between Elmo and BTS, with the K-pop group enthusiastically confirming their participation by telling the frontman, «We’ll be there, Chris, of course.»
Kursiv also reports that Blackpink member Lisa will perform at the opening of World Cup along with other renowned artists like Katy Perry, Tyla and Alessia Cara.
