FIFA Announces Star-Studded Halftime Show for 2026 World Cup Final
The 2026 World Cup final will feature a halftime performance by Madonna, Shakira, Justin Bieber, BTS and other artists, with broadcast details for U.S. viewers provided by Fox Sports and Peacock.
FIFA will stage a live halftime show during the 2026 World Cup final, marking the first time the tournament includes such a performance. The lineup includes Madonna, Shakira, Justin Bieber and BTS as co-headliners, with additional appearances by conductor Gustavo Dudamel, Nigerian musician Burna Boy, the PS22 Chorus, and characters from Sesame Street and The Muppets. Coldplay frontman Chris Martin was reported to have curated the event.
The show is intended to support the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund, which aims to raise $100 million to expand education and football opportunities for children worldwide. FIFA estimates the halftime segment could last between 20 and 30 minutes, a duration that exceeds the International Football Association Board’s standard 15-minute halftime limit and would require referee approval.
Organizers plan to build a stage on the pitch at MetLife Stadium, adding logistical considerations for setup and removal before the second half. Comparisons were made to previous halftime shows, such as the Copa America final in 2024, where a 26-minute break was recorded, and the NFL Super Bowl, which typically allows a 20- to 30-minute interval.
Broadcast arrangements differ by region. In the United Kingdom, the BBC will not air the performance, opting for football analysis instead, while ITV has confirmed it will show the halftime show in full. In the United States, Fox Sports holds English-language rights and will broadcast the match on Fox, with a Spanish-language feed on Telemundo and streaming via the Fox One app, Peacock, YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, FuboTV and DirecTV Stream. Kickoff is scheduled for 3 p.m. Eastern Time, and viewers who wish to see the halftime show should be ready by 3:45 p.m.