FIFA has officially unveiled the full entertainment lineup for the first-ever halftime show at a FIFA World Cup final, confirming that some of the biggest names in global music will take to the stage before the second half of football’s biggest match.
The landmark performance will take place during the 2026 FIFA World Cup final on July 19 at New York New Jersey Stadium, marking the first time the tournament’s showpiece event will feature a Super Bowl-style musical spectacle.
Canadian superstar Justin Bieber has now been confirmed as the latest addition to the headline lineup, joining Madonna, Shakira and K-pop phenomenon BTS for the historic 11-minute performance, BBC News reports.
The wider cast of performers is equally star-studded. Nigerian artist Burna Boy, renowned Venezuelan conductor Gustavo Dudamel and the PS22 Chorus featuring Coldplay will all appear, while characters from Sesame Street and The Muppets are also set to be involved in the show.
Coldplay frontman Chris Martin has curated the performance, which will support the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund, an initiative aiming to expand access to education and football opportunities for children around the world while working towards raising $100 million (£73 million).
Speaking after his involvement was announced, Bieber highlighted the wider purpose behind the event.
“The FIFA World Cup brings the world together in a way nothing else can. I’m grateful to be part of this Half-time Show, and even more grateful knowing it’s already helping expand access to education for children around the world,” he said.
Comments on FIFA’s Instagram post announcing the line-up were turned off, with many fans feeling that the FIFA World Cup final does not warrant a celebrity-enriched musical performance like the American Super Bowl. Although, some of my favourite responses on X can be seen below.
The performance represents another major live appearance for Bieber following his return to the stage earlier this year at Coachella in California, his biggest concert in four years after previously cancelling his Justice World Tour due to health issues.
Shakira will also return to the World Cup stage after featuring during the tournament’s opening celebrations across the three host nations. Her collaboration with Burna Boy, Dai Dai, has become one of the defining songs of the competition after being selected as the tournament’s official anthem and played before every match.
FIFA president Gianni Infantino believes the halftime show will deliver a message that extends well beyond football itself.
“When it comes to what the world needs, there is nothing more important than education,” Infantino said in a release. “We are proud to have Justin Bieber joining Madonna, Shakira and BTS to co-headline the FIFA World Cup 2026 Final Half-time Show in support of the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund and our mission to expand access to quality education and football opportunities for children around the world.
“Burna Boy, Gustavo Dudamel and PS 22 Chorus ft. Coldplay will also join and play a key role in conveying a powerful message of unity and hope to billions of people worldwide.
“As the world unites for the most significant football match in history on Sunday, 19 July 2026 at the New York New Jersey Stadium, this groundbreaking spectacle, curated by Chris Martin of Coldplay, will celebrate football, music and our shared values, ensuring a legacy that transcends the final whistle.”
While opening ceremonies have become a familiar part of recent World Cups, including separate ceremonies across each of the three host nations in 2026, the final itself has traditionally remained focused solely on the football.
This year’s edition changes that, introducing an entertainment break inspired by the NFL’s iconic Super Bowl halftime show.
The decision has divided opinion among supporters. Many welcome the opportunity to showcase global music talent during one of the world’s biggest sporting events, while others question whether football’s biggest occasion requires additional entertainment at all.
Some critics have argued that extending halftime risks interrupting the rhythm of the final for players and supporters, while reports have suggested the BBC does not intend to broadcast the musical performance as part of its live coverage, instead continuing with traditional match analysis ahead of the second half.
Other social media users have been more critical in their responses:
Of course, there are many who are excited about the performance – with many arguing that it will help bring more viewers to what is expected to be the biggest sporting event in 2026.
Regardless of the debate, FIFA is set to deliver one of the most ambitious entertainment productions ever staged at a football match.
The 2026 World Cup itself has already broken new ground as the largest tournament in history, featuring 48 nations competing across the United States, Canada and Mexico.
With the competition reaching its conclusion, the World Cup final is now set to combine football and music on an unprecedented scale, with Bieber, Madonna, Shakira, BTS and a host of other performers preparing to headline a spectacle expected to be watched by billions around the globe.
But the question remains – Does the World Cup final NEED a half-time show?
Featured image credit: Instagram/FIFA (screenshots)
